Dengue Fever risk in Ouagadougou

Dengue Fever Prevention Guide for Ouagadougou

Dengue Fever Risk Score: 59/100 (Moderate-High)

What is Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral disease spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in serious cases, bleeding and shock. There is no specific treatment, making prevention essential.

Local Risk Factors in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou faces elevated dengue risk due to its tropical climate with a rainy season from June to September, which creates abundant breeding sites. Rapid urbanization, inconsistent water storage practices, limited waste management, and standing water in discarded containers, tires, and construction sites all contribute to mosquito proliferation. Population density further amplifies transmission risk.

Prevention Steps

1. Eliminate standing water weekly. Empty, scrub, and cover water storage containers, flower pots, buckets, and discarded items that collect rainwater. Mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water as small as a bottle cap.

2. Use insect repellent daily. Apply DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, especially during peak mosquito hours from dawn and dusk when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

3. Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Use long-lasting treated nets even during daytime naps, as Aedes mosquitoes bite primarily during daylight hours.

4. Wear protective clothing. Choose long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors, particularly in areas with dense vegetation or near water sources.

5. Seek early medical attention. If you develop sudden high fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, or joint pain, visit a health facility immediately. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which increase bleeding risk. Use paracetamol instead.

Community participation in eliminating breeding sites remains the most effective long-term strategy for reducing dengue transmission in Ouagadougou.