A recent study published in The Lancet highlights the risk of dengue virus introduction in Africa, driven by the increase in international travelers from regions with high incidence, such as Asia and Latin America. The analysis identified countries like Egypt, Mauritius, Senegal, Kenya, and Uganda as the most vulnerable due to their air travel connectivity and climatic conditions favorable for transmission. In 2019, over 1.9 million travelers from these regions entered the African continent.
Historically, Africa’s susceptibility to dengue has been underestimated, partly due to limited diagnostic capacity and the symptomatic similarities with other febrile illnesses like malaria. However, the study points out that the continent has a combination of environmental and urban factors conducive to dengue transmission, as well as low population immunity to the virus. Risk patterns also vary regionally: East African countries are more exposed to introductions from Asia, while West African countries face risks mainly from within the continent.
The research underscores the need to improve epidemiological surveillance systems in Africa, particularly at key airports. Additionally, it warns about the potential role of climate change in expanding areas suitable for dengue transmission in the future. Strengthening local and regional capacities for early detection is essential to prevent outbreaks and minimize health impacts.
