Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom:
The World Health Organization has reported nearly 3,900 cases of dengue fever in the governorates of Aden and Lahj during the first four months of 2025. The outbreak has resulted in 14 deaths amid deteriorating health conditions due to the ongoing war in Yemen.
The dengue fever outbreak comes amid a severe health crisis in the country, where more than a decade of armed conflict has led to the closure of half the healthcare facilities, weakening the healthcare system and increasing the spread of infectious diseases.
Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes that become infected after biting a person with the virus. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, joint and muscle pain, nosebleeds, and pain behind the eyes—further exacerbating the already critical health situation for the population.
Supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the WHO has launched a broad campaign to combat the disease in affected areas. The response includes managing mosquito breeding sites, awareness campaigns, and targeted fogging to curb the virus’s spread.
This outbreak coincides with a severe famine and the spread of cholera—posing an additional threat to Yemeni lives and reflecting the fragility of the country’s healthcare system. The situation calls for urgent international support to address these multiple crises.
