Work

Epidemiology of dengue fever in Somaliland: clinical features, and serological patterns from a retrospective study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dengue fever is a significant global public health concern. However, its epidemiology in Somaliland remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to provide comprehensive data on the clinical presentation, demographic characteristics, and serological patterns of dengue fever in Somaliland. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,410 suspected dengue cases from public hospital laboratories in Somaliland between January and September 2024. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and results of rapid diagnostic tests for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 1,410 suspected cases, 175 (12.41%) tested positive for dengue. The majority of the patients were male (60.57%) and aged 19-38 years (45.1%). Most cases were from urban areas (58.9%). Common symptoms included fever, vomiting, nausea (86.7%), GIT problems (86.12%) were the predominant symptom of patients. Serological testing revealed 84.57% NS1 positivity, 8.57% IgM positivity, and 6.85% positivity. The peak incidence was observed in June. Only 8.67% of the patients required hospitalization. Among these 8 cases (53.3%), as sever dengue and 7 (46.6%) were dengue with warning signs. CONCLUSION: This study provides initial insights into the epidemiology of dengue in Somaliland, though further research is needed to establish robust baseline data, highlighting its prevalence, particularly in urban adults. These preliminary findings suggest a potential need for enhanced surveillance and public health measures, pending confirmation from larger studies to address the emerging arboviral diseases in this region.

Source: BMC Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-10558-6

Authors: Dek Kahin Yosef, Ahmed Saeed Ismail, Barwaqo Saleban Awil, Halima Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Ahmed Hassan

Institutions: Burao University, Jigjiga University, Edna Adan University

Language: English

Topic: Mosquito-borne diseases and control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090