According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) between 29 August – 4 November, 227 suspected cases of severe dengue fever—including 110 deaths—were reported in all Darfur states, with 27 new cases including six deaths reported between 30 October and 4 November alone.
The highest number of reported cases is in West Darfur (135) followed by Central Darfur (46), North Darfur (37), East Darfur (9) and South Darfur (1). The state with the highest fatalities is West Darfur (86) followed by North Darfur (15), Central Darfur (7) and East Darfur (2). Records indicate that many patients who tested positive for severe dengue fever were also infected with malaria.
Dengue fever is endemic in many states of Sudan including Red Sea, Kassala, Gedaref, and South Kordofan. In 2012, sporadic cases of dengue fever and yellow fever coinfection were reported in Darfur, while nothing was reported in 2013. In 2014, a largescale dengue fever outbreak occurred in Red Sea (1,092 cases), North Darfur (132), South Darfur (48), West Darfur (24), South Kordofan (59) and Kassala (57).
In order to fund response activities the Government of Sudan has provided 3.45 million Sudanese Pounds (about US$557,000), for the affected states. The MoH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have prepared a response plan covering all aspects of disease surveillance, laboratory analysis, vector control, case management and community mobilization. All initial response activities have started, however in order to implement a comprehensive response and containment plan, additional financial resources of about US$1.94 million are needed.
