Small dengue outbreak in Bamako, Mali

After a 14-year-old boy from Missabougo Commune was diagnosed with dengue fever, a field investigation identified up to 40 possible cases of dengue fever in the same area. The investigation continues.

Advice

Dengue fever is common in many West African countries; however, inadequate surveillance systems often make it difficult to determine the true extent of the disease. The absence of reports from other areas does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities.

All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.