Somalia: Dengue Outbreak - Feb 2026

As of early 2026, health authorities have reported a sharp increase in mosquito-borne infections compared to previous years, raising alarm among public health. The disease has spread across multiple regions, particularly in urban and densely populated areas, posing a significant risk to vulnerable communities.

On 24 February 2026, the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development officially confirmed and declared the escalating dengue fever outbreak affecting multiple regions of the country. The most severe impact has been recorded in Togdheer Region, Maroodi-jeh Region, and Sahil Region, where transmission dynamics indicate sustained community spread and increasing epidemiological intensity.

During Epidemiological Week 07 alone, a total of 1,442 dengue cases were reported, confirming an active wave of community-level transmission. Of these cases, 50.5% (728/1,442) were female, reflecting a near-equal gender distribution. Additionally, 63.5% (915/1,442) were individuals older than five years of age, indicating transmission across school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. Regrettably, one dengue-related death was recorded during the same week, underscoring the potential clinical severity of the outbreak and the urgent need for strengthened case management and early detection of warning signs. ([IFRC, 13 Mar 2026](https://reliefweb.int/node/4202852))