WHO Warns of Alarming Dengue Fever Surge in Eastern Afghanistan
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in suspected dengue fever cases in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. In a recent report, the agency stated that more than 1,000 suspected cases were recorded in November, marking an approximately eight percent increase compared to the previous month.
Despite the steep rise in infections, the report notes that no deaths related to the disease have been reported so far. However, the increasing number of cases indicates that the dengue virus is spreading more actively within local communities. Laboratory analysis of patient samples showed that nearly 66 percent tested positive for the virus.
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, also known as the tiger mosquito. While the disease is more common in tropical and humid regions, inadequate healthcare access and the lack of effective public health measures in Afghanistan have facilitated its rapid spread.
Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 4,384 suspected cases have been reported, primarily concentrated in six provinces: Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, Kabul, Ghazni, and Paktia. According to official statistics, 41.6 percent of the patients are women, and 98 percent are aged over five.
The WHO criticized the Taliban administration’s lack of attention to public health as a key factor worsening the crisis. The organization has called for strengthened surveillance, enhanced emergency response preparedness, and widespread public awareness efforts to contain the virus. Limited access to healthcare, poor governance, and a lack of transparency under the Taliban have further intensified the crisis in eastern Afghanistan.
