Rise in Dengue Fever Hospitalizations in Burkina Faso Linked to Self-Medication and Herbal Remedies

Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso is facing a significant challenge in managing the recent outbreak of dengue fever, particularly in its Central region. Self-medication and the use of herbal medicine have been identified as contributing factors to the increase in serious cases and hospitalizations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the technical director of the Health Emergency Response Operations Center (CORUS), there has been a notable uptick in serious dengue fever cases. In just the week of November 6 to 12, 2023, the Central region alone reported 217 cases and 55 deaths. The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene is taking steps to address the outbreak, including organizing Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and managing dengue cases effectively.

Dr. Soubeiga, a medical epidemiologist, highlighted that dengue fever is affecting almost all regions of Burkina Faso, with the Central and Hauts-Bassins regions bearing the brunt. The country has reported approximately 45,000 probable cases and 511 deaths, indicating a lethality rate of around 1%. He stressed that many of the serious cases requiring hospitalization are linked to self-medication and the use of herbal remedies. Dr. Soubeiga urged the public to seek treatment at health facilities, emphasizing that RDTs are freely available at medical centers and hospitals.

During a visit to the Kossodo medical center in Ouagadougou’s district no. 10, journalists observed patients receiving treatment in tents set up by the government’s technical and financial partners. Patients like Sylvestre Sibe and Assèta Madré, an internally displaced person, expressed appreciation for the care provided by health workers.

However, challenges remain in the distribution of RDTs. Dr. Kouda Oumar, after a visit to the Medical Center in the commune of Saaba, noted the insufficiency of RDT tests due to high demand. He mentioned that although the tests are free, the health center currently faces a shortage and is awaiting a response from the Bogodogo health district.

The city of Ouagadougou and other localities in the Central region have recorded 217 deaths linked to dengue out of a total of 421 deaths nationwide from January 1 to November 5, 2023. As part of the efforts to combat the dengue epidemic, spatial spraying by drone was conducted at the Wemtenga canal.

This situation underscores the need for increased awareness about the dangers of self-medication and herbal remedies in treating dengue fever, as well as the importance of accessing proper medical care and diagnostics.