Dengue Fever in Yemen: A large-Scale Disease Outbreak in the Context of Ongoing Conflict

Naseeb Qirbi1* and Sharif A. Ismail2 1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Sana’a University, 2 Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, UK

Abstract

Background: Communicable disease surveillance and control in conflict settings is challenging. Aim: To describes a large outbreak of Dengue Fever (DF) in Yemen in 2015 amid ongoing conflict. Methods: secondary analysis of routine surveillance data complemented by a literature review. Results: the 2015 DF outbreak was distinct in scale and geographic scope compared with previous years, with up to 14,500 reported cases. Control is hampered by worsening access to healthcare, scaling back of preventive activities and widespread infrastructure damage. Conclusion: In 2015, Yemen witnessed a dengue outbreak exceeding previous years. The ongoing conflict and blockade has rendered a weak health system incapable of implementing its routine control activities and provision of curative care. If this is not reversed, it is expected that the situation may worsen and bear higher case-fatality rates. International aid is much needed. Efforts must be exerted to preserve the healthcare system and its functionality, strengthened surveillance to improve reporting rates and greater control efforts are needed.