Aden -- The Ministry of Health in Yemen has confirmed that at least 52 people have died and more than 12,000 others have been infected with dengue fever across the country since the beginning of 2025, as the mosquito-borne virus continues to spread amid deteriorating health conditions and limited medical infrastructure.

Widespread Outbreak Amid Fragile Health System

The outbreak has affected multiple governorates, with particularly high case numbers reported in Aden, Lahj, Taiz, and parts of Hodeidah. 

Health officials and humanitarian agencies warn that the actual number of infections may be significantly higher due to underreporting and lack of access to diagnostic services in remote areas.

- The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported nearly 3,900 cases and 14 deaths in Aden and Lahj alone during the first four months of the year.

- The spread of dengue is being fueled by poor sanitation, stagnant water, and the collapse of public health services after years of conflict.
- Half of Yemen’s healthcare facilities are either non-functional or only partially operational, according to WHO assessments.

Urgent Need for Vector Control and Medical Aid

Medical professionals are calling for immediate intervention to contain the outbreak, including:

- Large-scale mosquito control campaigns.

- Distribution of insecticide-treated nets and repellents.

- Emergency support for hospitals and clinics overwhelmed by the surge in cases.

International health organizations have also urged donors to increase funding for Yemen’s health sector, which remains severely under-resourced.

A Symptom of a Broader Crisis

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, and in some cases internal bleeding or death. The current outbreak is part of a broader public health emergency in Yemen, where cholera, malaria, and malnutrition continue to threaten millions.

Health authorities are urging citizens to take preventive measures and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.