Abstract:
Background: Communicable disease surveillance and control in conflict settings is
challenging. Aim: To describes a large outbreak of Dengue Fever (DF) in Yemen in 2015
amid ongoing conflict. Methods: secondary analysis of routine surveillance data
complemented by a literature review. Results: the 2015 DF outbreak was distinct in scale and
geographic scope compared with previous years, with up to 14,500 reported cases. Control is
hampered by worsening access to healthcare, scaling back of preventive activities and
widespread infrastructure damage. Conclusion: In 2015, Yemen witnessed a dengue outbreak
exceeding previous years. The ongoing conflict and blockade has rendered a weak health
system incapable of implementing its routine control activities and provision of curative care.
If this is not reversed, it is expected that the situation may worsen and bear higher casefatality rates. International aid is much needed. Efforts must be exerted to preserve the
healthcare system and its functionality, strengthened surveillance to improve reporting rates
and greater control efforts are needed.
