Dengue fever cases rise to 80 in Sudan’s Northern State

February 22, 2026 (DONGOLA) – The Ministry of Health in the Northern State announced on Sunday that dengue fever cases in the western region of Merowe locality have risen to 80 within 11 days, warning of an outbreak amid a lack of adequate budgets for field operations.

The Northern State has recently recorded scattered cases of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in the irrigation and agricultural areas of Merowe. This has prompted health authorities to intensify monitoring and field interventions to prevent the situation from becoming a widespread epidemic hotspot.

Etmad al-Fadil, Director of the General Department of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control at the ministry, told Sudan Tribune that the department recorded three new cases today. This brings the cumulative number to 80 infections in the Al-Gharbiya area of the Al-Kurair unit in Merowe locality between Feb. 11 and Feb. 21.

She explained that the ministry has begun implementing a package of precautionary measures to limit the spread of the disease. These include activating emergency rooms at the ministry and local levels, active case-finding in the region, and activating a “zero reporting” system in all health facilities.

The director emphasized the importance of entomological surveys, household inspections, and the drying and washing of containers and water collection points. She also highlighted the need for indoor spraying and intensifying health awareness to educate the public about the disease and control methods, while involving the local community in prevention efforts.

Al-Fadil acknowledged challenges hindering field work, including a lack of funding and a shortage of transportation to move personnel and rapid response teams to affected areas.