In August, the WHO confirmed a new wave of dengue fever in the country with a total of 64 cases reported between 12 June and 30 July from Nangarhar province only

As dengue fever outbreaks emerge sporadically in Afghanistan, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for immediate action to prevent further spread and minimize its impact on an already overburdened healthcare system.

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The first dengue case

The first outbreak of dengue was reported in 2019 in the Eastern region of the country. According to the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, a 21-year-old patient with a travel history to India was the first dengue patient. The case was confirmed on October 3, 2019. The patient was admitted to an infectious diseases hospital in Kabul for treatment during the incubation period.

A new wave confirmed by WHO

In the same year, 14 cases were reported: Faryab (1), Kabul (3), Paktita (1 case), Laghman (1 case), Paktya (2 cases) and Nangarhar (6 cases). But by September 2021, the disease resurfaced, infecting 775 people and killing one in Nangarhar province.

On August 4 this year, WHO said, a new wave of dengue fever was confirmed in the country with a total of 64 cases reported between 12 June and 30 July from Nangarhar province only. Of the 64 reported cases, 47 (73.4 percent) were female.

Dengue virus

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The primary vectors that transmit the disease are Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus.

The virus responsible for causing dengue is called the dengue virus (DENV). There are four DENV serotypes and it is possible to be infected four times.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific treatment for severe dengue. Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue, and access to proper medical care lower the fatality rate to below 1 percent.

Dengue prevention and control depend on effective vector control measures. Sustained community involvement can improve vector control efforts substantially.

The way forward for Afghanistan

“Afghanistan is already battling a mix of complex humanitarian emergencies because of the ongoing conflict, recurrent natural disasters and disease outbreaks,” said Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan. “Although the reported number of dengue cases can still be managed, we need to take urgent action to prevent further spread and minimize its impact on the country’s health system and on the limited number of health workers.”