JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Dengue fever (DF) has reemerged in Yemen with higher frequency during the last years. On Nov 6, 2019, an increased number of suspected DF in Al-Garrahi district was reported. On Nov 7, 2019, team sent to investigate.

Objective:

To confirm the existence of outbreak, describe the outbreak characteristics, and to recommend suitable intervention for control.

Methods:

A descriptive study was conducted. WHO case definition was used to identify patients. Active search from house to house along with entomological investigation and health education were conducted. A line-list was used to collect data. Blood specimens were collected and tested by ELISA for dengue IgM. Frequency, percentage and rates were calculated and population from central statistical organization was used.

Results:

A total of 2067 cases met the case definition. Of them 51% were males and 32% were <10 years old. All patients complained from fever, headache and arthralgia (100%) followed by myalgia and retro orbital pain (67% and 39%) respectively. The first case-patient was in week 41 and reached the peak with 1058 patients in week 46. The overall attack rate was 16/1,000, significantly higher among patients with 10-<50 and ≥ 50-year-old compared with patients <10 years old (17 and 19 /1000 vs 14 /1000, P value < 0.001). Out of 20 tested blood samples, 12 (60%) were IgM positive. House index was 70%, the container index 50%, and the Breteau index was 140. Vector control measures with community participation were intensified in week 46 and patient-cases decreased to 140 in week 48.

Conclusions:

Dengue outbreak was confirmed in Al-Garrahi district. Spread of infection facilitated by storing water and presence of indoor larvae. The findings emphasize the importance of health awareness and community participation for containing DF outbreak.