July 25, 2013
GeoSentinel
Eli Schwartz from our Israel site reports having seen a returnee from Kenya with dengue, most likely acquired in Mombasa. He is trying to determine the serotype.
Although we alerted you on April 12, 2013 (see below) about increasing cases of dengue from Kenya, particularly from Mombasa, we would particularly like you to be aware that in GeoSentinel there has been an increase in cases reported from Kenya over the past several years with 1 in2008; 2 in 2009, 3 in 2010, and 6 cases in 2012 (2 in VFRs, 2 traveling for
business, 1 missionary/volunteer, and 2 tourists).
business, 1 missionary/volunteer, and 2 tourists).
Since there had been a recent outbreakreported in Angola, it is particularly of interest to us now in the differential diagnosis of patients we see returning from both West and East Africa. In addition, there was just last week another ProMED posting from Tokyo confirming dengue in a Japanese man who had been a volunteer worker in Mombasa.
Although the first laboratory confirmed case in Kenya was reported by Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) on 7 Mar 2013, according to ProMED, a retrospective review of hospital records indicates that the 1st case was confirmed in a private laboratory on 7 Jan 2013. Among confirmed cases, 3 dengue serotypes have been found. Because of the potential for this
outbreak to affect travelers to Mombasa, CDC Kenya has advised the Ministry to include hotels in acute febrile surveillance systems set up for this investigation.
A team from the CDC has been in Kenya assisting in the investigation. Unfortunately much of the effort in dengue surveillance and management had to be shifted recently to the polio effort.
Meanwhile, on 14 June 2013, the Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) reported a dengue outbreak in Dar es Salaam, however our understanding is that there are not good diagnostic data available to demonstrate the actual burden. A review of GeoSentinel reveals 1 case reported in 2013; 1 in 2008; 3 in 2009; 10 in 2010 (although some patients had
traveled elsewhere as well); and 2 in 2011.
Meanwhile, on 14 June 2013, the Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) reported a dengue outbreak in Dar es Salaam, however our understanding is that there are not good diagnostic data available to demonstrate the actual burden. A review of GeoSentinel reveals 1 case reported in 2013; 1 in 2008; 3 in 2009; 10 in 2010 (although some patients had
traveled elsewhere as well); and 2 in 2011.
From GeoSentinel staff: Phyllis, Mark and Phil
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