Based on information provided by the World Health Organisation, concerning dengue fever, from 15th of April to 17th of May the first cases were recorded in the country of São Tomé and Príncipe, especially in the area of Agua Grande (90, 87%), but also in Mézochi (7, 7%), Lobata (4, 4%); Cantagalo (1, 1%), i.e. the north-east area of the island of São Tomé; and the Autonomous Region of Principe Pague (1, 1%).
An epidemic of this type is generally present in other areas of Latin America, Caribbean Islands, Western Pacific Islands and South-East Asia.
The most common symptoms turned out to be fever, headache and myalgia, which affected both 10-19 year olds and 30-60 year olds peoples.
The cases were confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests analysed in Lisbon, which ascertained the dominance of the dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3), in fact, as many as four DENV serotypes can be detected, with the possibility of relapses determined by the same serotype or even others.
This is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which produces mild illnesses and often asymptomatic cases.
Prevention and early detection makes it possible to avoid serious forms of dengue.
In order to contain the spread of the virus, which is non-lethal, national health authorities are promoting tracking systems to identify the most affected areas on which to promote fogging and source reduction measures, hence their commitment to the WHO to share, as well as publish, a dairy dengue bulletin.
There is no specific cure to neutralise the virus at the moment, so some personal prevention measures are recommended, including: the correct use, according to instructions, of repellents on exposed parts of the body not covered by clothing and on the clothes themselves, the use of mosquito nets on which insecticide can be applied, avoiding or minimising skin exposure particularly in enclosed spaces both during the day and at night, to reduce the rate of infection as much as possible.
Based on available information, the WHO does not place any restrictions on travel or trade to and from São Tomé and Príncipe.
More info >
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON387
