Emerging Infectious Diseases (Oct 2014)

Dengue Expansion in Africa—Not Recognized or Not Happening?

  • Thomas Jaenisch,
  • Thomas Junghanss,
  • Bridget Wills,
  • Oliver J. Brady,
  • Isabella Eckerle,
  • Andrew Farlow,
  • Simon I. Hay,
  • Philip J. McCall,
  • Jane P. Messina,
  • Victor Ofula,
  • Amadou Sall,
  • Anavaj Sakuntabhai,
  • Raman Velayudhan,
  • G.R. William Wint,
  • Herve Zeller,
  • Harold S. Margolis,
  • Osman Sankoh

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2010.140487
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 10

Abstract

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An expert conference on Dengue in Africa was held in Accra, Ghana, in February 2013 to consider key questions regarding the possible expansion of dengue in Africa. Four key action points were highlighted to advance our understanding of the epidemiology of dengue in Africa. First, dengue diagnostic tools must be made more widely available in the healthcare setting in Africa. Second, representative data need to be collected across Africa to uncover the true burden of dengue. Third, established networks should collaborate to produce these types of data. Fourth, policy needs to be informed so the necessary steps can be taken to provide dengue vector control and health services.

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