Are dengue and chikungunya found in Djibouti?
Yes: cases of both are recorded all year. In late 2019, a chikungunya outbreak ran for 13 weeks in Djibouti City while dengue was circulating too.
Both viruses are spread by the Aedes mosquito, which bites mostly by day and breeds in water stored at home. Zika has never been reported in Djibouti, but Aedes is established there and neighbouring Ethiopia has had cases.
Dengue, chikungunya, Zika or malaria: how do you tell them apart?
At first all four look alike, and no doctor can tell by looking. Only a test settles it: in Djibouti, any fever should be seen by a doctor the same day.
| Disease | Time after the bite | Main sign | The danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dengue | 4 to 10 days | High fever, bad headache, pain behind the eyes, aches | Severe dengue, often as the fever drops |
| Chikungunya | 4 to 8 days | Sudden fever, very painful joints | Pain for months; severe in newborns and older people with other illnesses |
| Zika | 3 to 14 days | Often none; otherwise rash, red eyes, mild fever | Birth defects if the mother is infected in pregnancy |
| Malaria | 10 to 15 days | Fever, chills, headache | Severe malaria: confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing |
Which signs mean calling 119?
The dengue trap: severe signs often appear as the fever comes down, just when you think you are over it. A second dengue infection carries a higher risk. If you see any of these signs, call 119:
- Severe stomach pain.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Rapid breathing.
- Bleeding gums or nose.
- Blood in vomit or stools.
- Extreme tiredness, restlessness, pale and cold skin.
Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin?
No, not until a doctor has seen you. In dengue, ibuprofen, aspirin and other anti-inflammatories raise the risk of bleeding. In Djibouti, the rule applies to any fever without a diagnosis.
No antiviral cures these viruses: the doctor eases the fever and pain and watches how things go. In Djibouti, Medyc arranges a video consultation with a doctor, from 3,000 DJF, and in Djibouti City the prescribed blood tests can be sampled at home.
How do I protect against Aedes?
Pregnant or trying for a baby? Ask your doctor about Zika before travelling to an affected area, Ethiopia included.
- Repellent and covering clothes in the daytime too; a net over babies at nap time.
- Cover water tanks and empty standing water: that is where Aedes breeds.
Your questions, answered
Dengue or malaria: how can I tell the difference?
You can’t by symptoms alone: they look alike. Only tests can tell, so see a doctor the same day for any fever in Djibouti.
What can I take for a fever if it might be dengue?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist what to take and how much. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin until dengue has been ruled out.
How long does chikungunya joint pain last?
Often a few days, but it can last weeks, months or even years. A doctor can adjust the pain treatment.
Is there Zika in Djibouti?
No cases have been reported to WHO, but the mosquito that carries Zika is present. Ethiopia has had cases.
Is there a dengue vaccine?
Yes, but WHO recommends it only for children aged 6 to 16 in high-transmission areas. Ask a doctor whether it applies to you.
Sources & further reading
- WHO: dengue and severe dengue fact sheet
- WHO: chikungunya fact sheet
- WHO: Zika virus fact sheet
- WHO: countries with Zika transmission and countries with Aedes but no known cases
- CDC, Emerging Infectious Diseases: chikungunya outbreak in Djibouti, 2019–2020
- France Diplomatie: Djibouti, health
- WHO: malaria fact sheet
- CHU de Djibouti: contact and 119 (SMUR)
- Medyc: malaria in Djibouti
This guide explains how to organise care. It does not provide a diagnosis or individual medical advice. How we write our guides
