Chad Faces First Dengue Outbreak

Chad has declared its first dengue outbreak, with 1,342 suspected cases and 41 confirmed cases reported across eight health districts in four provinces. The outbreak is centered in the Abéché health district in Ouaddaï province. The Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, in collaboration with WHO and partners, has implemented a national contingency plan for dengue preparedness and response. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, and there is no specific treatment. Chad has limited surveillance and response capacities, and the risk of spread is high due to favorable environmental conditions and an ongoing humanitarian crisis with a large influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan. WHO advises on vector control measures and community engagement to prevent further spread.