Iran reports first locally transmitted dengue fever cases, all from Hormozgan Province
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province, within southern Iran, autochthonous cases of dengue fever have been reported since last month.
The first cases were reported on June 14 in Bandar-Lengheh. By 17 July 2024, a total of 12 autochthonous cases of dengue have been documented in Iran, all of which were reported in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province.
WHO notes the confirmation of local dengue virus transmission in 2024 is an unusual although expected event due to the presence of the vector in the country and movement of people from endemic areas to Iran.
Based on entomological surveillance, to date, Aedes aegypti and some Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are established in the provinces of Sistan and Balouchistan, Hormozgan, Bushehr, Khuzastan, and Gilan.Â
The Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) , along with WHO support are implementing the following targeted interventions (not an exhaustive list):
Strengthening laboratory and hospital-based disease surveillance in all affected provinces and at the national level.
Providing validated diagnostic supplies and medicines for managing the symptoms, to ensure the continuity of essential care.
Providing pesticides, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for control measures. Â
Training healthcare workers in case management and entomologists in vector surveillance and control.