Dengue data and surveillance in Tanzania: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Abstractobjective Although there is evidence that dengue virus is circulating in Tanzania, the country lacks a dengue surveillance system. Consequently, the true estimate of dengue seroprevalence, as well as the incidence in the population, the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks is unknown. This study therefore sought to systematically review available dengue data from Tanzania.methods The systematic review was conducted and reported using the PRISMA tool. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WHOLIS and Google Scholar) were searched for articles using various keywords on the illness, data and geographical location. Identified articles were assessed for inclusion based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from included articles, analysed and reported.results Based on the 10 seroprevalence studies in defined populations with estimates of acute confirmed infections that were included in the review, the estimated seroprevalence of past dengue infection in Tanzania ranged from 50.6% in a health facility-based study to 11% in a populationbased study. Acute confirmed infections of dengue were estimated to be as high as 38.2% of suspected cases. Only one study reported on an outbreak.conclusions It is evident that dengue needs to become part of regular disease surveillance in Tanzania. Control measures need to be instituted with a focus on building human resource capacity and integrating dengue control measures in ongoing health programmes, for both preventive and curative interventions. Systematic reviews are valuable in assessing health issues when surveillance data are not available.

Aedes Mosquitoes and Aedes-Borne Arboviruses in Africa: Current and Future Threats

“…Preventing outbreaks, or mitigating their impact, is challenging even for those countries that have made considerable investment in capacity after fighting against dengue outbreaks for decades [ 122 ]. This scenario and the associated challenges are exacerbated in African countries where recognition of dengue outbreaks has started relatively recently; dengue is often not a reported infection, even if correctly diagnosed, and where surveillance and response strategies may be absent or improperly developed [ 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 ]. Rolling out effective surveillance plans for Aedes- borne diseases, particularly dengue, is a global priority [ 127 , 128 ] but at present, early warning systems for Aedes- borne diseases like dengue are unreliable [ 129 ], and the standard indices used to monitor Ae.…”

New approaches for integrated and cost-effective malaria vector control

“…Thirdly, many areas of sub-Saharan Africa increasingly experience severe health and economic damage through other vector borne diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya 39,40 . In contrast to Asia and South America, where non-malaria mosquito control is widely in place and financially supported, it is virtually absent in SSA.…”

High seroprevalence of dengue virus indicates that dengue virus infections are frequent in central and eastern Sudan

“…The seroprevalence in this town was comparable to that in the South Indian state Tamil Nadu and in several countries in Southeast Asia . The seroprevalence was higher than in other countries in Africa and in the Middle East . The seroprevalence data were also higher than what was previously reported from Sudan.…”