Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is endemic in coastal Tanzania — Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and the islands. There is no specific antiviral; supportive care and avoiding aspirin are key.
Always confirm diagnosis and treatment with a qualified health professional.
Compiled from public health references including the CDC, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, the World Health Organization, and the Tanzania Ministry of Health.
Overview
Dengue is a viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (bites during the day, unlike malaria mosquitoes). Tanzania has had recurring outbreaks in Dar es Salaam and coastal regions. Unlike malaria, dengue is not transmitted at night, and bed nets provide limited protection. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe, potentially fatal form.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden high fever (40°C)
- Severe headache behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
- Skin rash (appears 2–5 days after fever)
- Nausea and vomiting
Danger signs (seek emergency care):
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting blood or blood in stools
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Rapid breathing
- Extreme fatigue
Treatment
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Paracetamol for fever and pain
- Do NOT take aspirin or ibuprofen — they increase bleeding risk
- Severe dengue requires hospitalisation for IV fluids and monitoring
- No antiviral treatment exists for dengue
- A blood test (NS1 antigen or dengue antibody test) confirms diagnosis
Prevention
- Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water — eliminate containers holding water around your home
- Wear long sleeves and use repellent during daylight hours
- Window screens and air conditioning reduce indoor exposure
- Dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is available at some private clinics for those with prior dengue infection
- Community clean-up campaigns to remove breeding sites
Cost & NHIF Coverage
Public facilities: Diagnosis (NS1/IgM test where available) and supportive care (fluids, monitoring) at subsidised cost; there is no specific antiviral treatment, so care focuses on hydration and platelet monitoring.
NHIF: Covers consultation, testing, and admission for monitoring at accredited facilities.
Private facilities: NS1/IgM test TZS 30,000–60,000; admission for monitoring (platelet counts can require several days) TZS 100,000–400,000+.
Estimated ranges — actual cost varies by facility. Confirm with reception and check your insurer's coverage before treatment.
Where to Get Care
Confirm with reception that the facility treats this condition and that your insurer is accepted before visiting.