The Aedes albopictus mosquito, commonly known as the “tiger mosquito,” is wreaking havoc across Burkina Faso. This aggressive species is driving a severe dengue fever and chikungunya outbreak, with devastating consequences. According to official reports, between January 1 and October 15, 2023, health authorities recorded 50,478 suspected dengue cases, including 25,502 probable cases and 214 fatalities.

The situation remains alarming, particularly in the cities of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. In just one week—October 9 to 15—health officials documented 10,117 new suspected cases, including 4,377 probable cases and 48 deaths. Compounding the crisis, over 200 chikungunya cases have been reported since September, according to Health Minister Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou.

Dengue fever, a tropical disease that can range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening complications, shares transmission vectors with chikungunya. Both viruses are primarily spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in urban and semi-urban settings.

Learn more: dengue fever, the overlooked epidemic in Africa

taking decisive action against the outbreak

Rising temperatures and heavy rainfall have created ideal breeding conditions for tiger mosquitoes and the dengue virus. In response, the Burkinabè government has implemented a series of critical measures to curb the spread:

• Free rapid diagnostic testing in public health facilities to enable early detection and treatment.
• A massive anti-mosquito spraying campaign targeting the most affected areas, particularly Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.

While Burkina Faso has dealt with sporadic dengue cases since the 1960s, the first documented outbreak occurred in 2017, resulting in 13 deaths. Today, the country faces one of its most severe public health challenges, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 100 to 400 million dengue infections occur annually worldwide. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, muscle and joint pain, and in severe cases, life-threatening hemorrhaging.

As the outbreak persists, health authorities urge residents in high-risk areas to take precautions, including eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using protective measures to avoid bites.