Ouagadougou – The Central region of Burkina Faso, which includes the capital city of Ouagadougou, has witnessed a severe Dengue epidemic, resulting in 217 deaths since the beginning of 2023. The Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene of the Center reported a particularly alarming surge in fatalities during the week of November 6 to 12.
According to Burkina Information Agency, a Sanitary Engineering Engineer at the Central Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene, the region has seen a total of 217 Dengue-related deaths. This figure constitutes more than half of the 421 total deaths recorded across the country from January 1 to November 5, 2023. The week from November 6 to 12 alone saw 55 deaths in the Central region.
During an information and awareness meeting for media actors and platform facilitators in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, Coulibaly discussed the nature of Dengue fever, a neglected tropical viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, predominantly active during daylight hours. He emphasized that while there is no effective treatment for the virus itself, managing symptoms and complications can significantly reduce the mortality rate.
Coulibaly also warned against self-medication and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, which can lead to bleeding complications in Dengue patients.
Dr. Daniel Yerbanga, the Regional Director of Health and Public Hygiene of the Center, acknowledged the ongoing outbreak in the densely populated Central region. He assured that efforts are being made to combat the disease and stressed the importance of communication in educating the public about prevention, protection, and treatment of Dengue.
The meeting, attended by over thirty media personnel, aimed to enhance understanding of Dengue fever, a disease that was first reported in Burkina Faso in 1925.