Khartoum Bahri faces dengue fever surge amid healthcare shortage

April 21, 2024 (KHARTOUM BAHRI) (April 21 – The volunteer-run Khartoum Bahri emergency room has reported a worrying rise in suspected dengue fever cases.

This outbreak comes as the region grapples with a critical shortage of medical supplies, further straining the healthcare system’s ability to respond to the disease.

The situation is exacerbated by the closure of up to 80% of hospitals previously operating in conflict zones. This has significantly limited resources and hampered efforts to control the spread of disease outbreaks.

“We’ve identified over 720 suspected dengue fever cases, including six deaths, concentrated in Al-Shabia, Al-Mazad and Al-Hijra neighborhoods,” said a member of the emergency room.

He highlighted particularly concerning infection rates in densely populated areas, with over 45 new cases reported in popular neighborhoods, 30 in Al-Mazad and 20 in Shambat.

The emergency room faces a critical lack of essential medications, including pain relievers, rehydration solutions, vitamins and tests for malaria, dengue fever and typhoid.

“If you experience malaria-like symptoms,” urged the emergency room member, “seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center”.

The official further advised against self-medicating before examination is done.

He cautioned that unsupervised medication use can lead to complications, particularly emphasizing the dangers of platelet breakdown.

“Dengue fever initially presents with a mild fever that rapidly escalates,” he explained, adding that, “This is followed by general fatigue, severe headache, nausea, mouth acidity, and vomiting.”

The emergency room team suspects the spread of dengue fever is linked to the accumulation of medical waste, including human organs, outside the international hospital, a primary treatment facility for wounded Rapid Support Forces (RSF) personnel.

More than 70 percent of healthcare facilities in Khartoum are closed due to the conflict in Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

(ST)