A retrospective study has just been published describing the clinicodemographic characteristics, serological profile, and monthly incidence of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Puntland State, Somalia.
Data from 956 patients with suspected dengue were analyzed, investigated using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) to detect the non-structural protein 1 of the dengue virus (NS1) and IgM antibodies using the SD Biosensor Dengue Duo NS Ag and IgM test kit. The study period covered from November 21, 2022, to May 27, 2023.
Results: 118 positive dengue cases were confirmed (12.3% of the total suspected patients). Of these: 76.2% were positive only for NS1. 13.6% were positive only for IgM. 10.2% were positive for both NS1 and IgM.
The number of positive cases was equal between women and men. The majority of cases (48.3%) were 20 years old or younger, followed by the 21-40 years age group (42.4%), and only 9.3% were over 41 years old.
The majority of positive cases (43.1%) resided in the Nugal region, particularly in Garowe. Other affected regions include Mudug (16.1%), Sool (15.3%), Karkar (13.6%), and Bari (9.3%).
The most frequent symptoms were fever (88.9%), myalgia (35.2%), skin rash (26.9%), gastrointestinal symptoms (25%), arthralgia (18.5%), and headache (14.8%).
Most cases were mild and treated as outpatients. Only seven pediatric cases required hospitalization.
The incidence of cases varied during the study period: Initial Peak: In December 2022. Decline: From January to March, with a slight increase in February. Increase: In April and May 2023.
The study reveals that dengue is endemic in various parts of the world and its diagnosis can be complex due to the variety of clinical manifestations it shares with other acute febrile illnesses. In Puntland, the high incidence in young people may be related to exposure to mosquitoes in school environments and outdoor activities. The prevalence in the Nugal region, especially in Garowe, is attributed to demographic factors and climate changes.
This study provides a detailed insight into the dengue outbreak in Puntland, highlighting the need to improve control and surveillance strategies to prevent future outbreaks and reduce the disease burden in the region.
