The situation is worsening due to the rapid spread of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—commonly known as tiger mosquitoes—which are driving both dengue and chikungunya outbreaks across the nation. From January to mid-October 2023, authorities recorded 50,478 suspected dengue cases, including 25,502 probable cases and 214 deaths, as stated in an official health bulletin.

The most alarming surge occurred between October 9 and 15, 2023, when 10,117 new suspected cases were reported, along with 4,377 probable cases and 48 fatalities. While the outbreak remains active in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, health officials have also documented over 200 chikungunya cases since September.

urgent health measures implemented

Rising temperatures and intense rainfall have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, accelerating the spread of the virus. To combat the crisis, the government has introduced a series of measures, including free rapid diagnostic tests in public health facilities and a targeted mosquito control spraying campaign in the most affected urban areas.

what you need to know about dengue fever

Dengue has been present in Burkina Faso since the 1960s, but the first confirmed epidemic occurred in 2017, resulting in 13 deaths. Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito—similar to malaria—dengue is a tropical disease that thrives in warm climates, particularly in urban and semi-urban zones. According to the World Health Organization, it causes between 100 to 400 million infections annually worldwide.

Symptoms range from high fever, severe headaches, nausea, and muscle pain to life-threatening complications like internal bleeding in severe cases. Early detection and prevention remain critical in reducing transmission rates and saving lives.