Bobo-Dioulasso – Professor Jacques Zoungrana, an infectious disease expert at Souro Sanon University Hospital Center (CHU-SS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, has raised concerns over the increasing trend of late consultations and self-medication in patients suffering from dengue fever. This trend has been noted despite the availability of free rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment products.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the CHU-SS has not faced any shortage of these free diagnostic tests or treatment supplies. However, he expressed concern over the misuse of certain products in the treatment kits that are not intended for dengue. His observations were made during a field trip organized by the Ministry of Health to assess the care provided to dengue patients at CHU-SS, a major hospital in the western part of the country.
The Hauts-Bassins region, where Bobo-Dioulasso is located, has reported 2,845 suspected dengue cases, including 1,236 probable cases and 21 deaths, from the beginning of the year to week 45 of 2023. Zoungrana pointed out that the disease has been progressing erratically, with patients often presenting in severe conditions due to delayed consultation and the use of inappropriate medications.
Saïdou Fotoré, the supervisor of the technical unit at the Do medical center with a surgical branch, reported conducting about a hundred dengue RDTs daily. He emphasized that reagent supplies are adequate and the tests are readily available and free. Fotoré highlighted that a patient must have a consultation form completed by a health worker to be eligible for an RDT test. In the Do health district, the positivity rate for these tests is around 50%.
Dr. Jaurès Ramdé, responsible for clinical activities and quality of care in the Health District of Houndé, mentioned various initiatives underway to combat the dengue epidemic. These include training and communication efforts to improve disease management. Over 70% of hospitalized patients in the health center are dengue cases, demonstrating the severity of the outbreak.
Patients like Aboubacar Dermé and Alice Sanou shared their experiences with dengue, highlighting the crucial role of timely medical intervention and the dedication of healthcare workers in combating the disease.