Multiple outbreaks from DF/DHF in the EMR

ABSTRACT

During the past three months of 2008, three member states of Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR] have reported outbreaks of Dengue fever/ Dengue haemorrhagic fever [DF/DHF] to WHO. Yemen has reported 1,024 cases of DF/DHF from Shabwa and Abyan governorates. Sudan reported 360 cases of DF/DHF from Red Sea State. Saudi Arabia has reported 537 cases of DF/ DHF so far this year from 20 localities in and around Jeddah City. These DF/DHF outbreaks were reported at almost the same time period and from three neighbouring countries surrounding the Red Sea. All these three countries [Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen] have witnessed repeated outbreaks of DF/DHF in the past