The dengue situation in Africa

Abstract

Dengue outbreaks and epidemics have been reported in all regions of Africa, and it is believed that all four dengue virus serotypes are in circulation. Available data suggest that dengue is endemic to 34 African countries and that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes--the primary vector for dengue transmission--are known to be present in all but five countries. Whether populations in Africa are susceptible to dengue at the same rates as in Asia and Latin America is difficult to determine from the available data. Several factors may affect the transmission of dengue in Africa, including vector efficiency, viral infectivity, host vulnerability and environmental factors, such as increasing urbanisation. Current dengue prevention strategies in Africa focus on vector control, although the primary aim of such efforts is typically the prevention of malaria. Further research is needed to characterise the epidemiology of dengue in Africa and to better understand the factors involved in differences in vulnerability to dengue across Africa.

Figure 1

Dengue and Aedes aegypti in Africa. The 34 countries in a dark colour indicate those in which dengue has been reported, including dengue reported only in travellers, and the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Light-coloured areas indicate the 13 countries in which dengue has not been reported but where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present. White indicates five countries for which data are not available.