The spread of dengue fever in Sudan has reached a critical stage as another 32 cases and six deaths (including children) have been recorded in the Soba East area of Khartoum, signaling the need for increased intervention.

Development Diaries reports that the health situation in the region is now in dire state, making it difficult to combat the spread of the dengue virus.

We understand that the new cases were recorded in the neighbourhoods of El Shagila, El Salma, and El Tuwairab.

The rising cases of the disease can be attributed to the rising levels of malnutrition among children, the unavailability of resources for diagnosis and the scarcity of treatment supplies.

Dengue fever, also called dengue haemorrhagic fever, can manifest as severe acute viral infections, usually with a sudden onset of fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia followed by pharyngitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, and haemorrhagic manifestations.

The outcome is fatal in more than 50 percent of the cases, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

Already, there are no dedicated treatment units in the affected areas, while hospitals continue to face acute lack of equipment and medication in East Nile.

Development Diaries calls on the health authorities in Sudan to prioritise the safety of the people, especially children, by collaborating with development partners to ensure urgent intervention in areas susceptive to the spread of the dengue virus.

We also urge donor organisations and development partners to help provide much-needed assistance to address the lack of public awareness on preventive measures to avoid the spread of the virus.

Photo source: Surya Prakash.S.A.