Dengue Epidemiology in Qatar from 2013–2021: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Qatar does not have any indigenous cases of dengue; however, the influx of immigrants from dengue endemic countries, the environment, and climate suitability for Aedes vector mosquitoes suggest a potential risk for local transmission. In this study, we investigated various demographic factors to determine the epidemiological features of dengue in Qatar. (2) Methods: In the present retrospective study, we reviewed dengue notification data received at the national surveillance system, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, between January 2013, and December 2021, and we analyzed the incidence of the dengue disease burden to identify factors that could contribute to the dissemination of the disease in Qatar. (3) Results: A total of 166 dengue fever seropositive cases were recorded during the study period in Qatar. The mean incidence was estimated to be 0.7/100,000 population, which increased from 0.7/100,000 in 2013 to 1.5/100,000 in 2019. The majority of the cases were male, between 20–50 years of age and notified during the hot months (June-September). Most of the patients had fever without hemorrhagic manifestations. There were no dengue related deaths during 2013–2021. (4) Conclusion: Dengue fever occurred more frequently among men than women, and its incidence is low among Qatari nationals. The presence of the most efficient vector, Aedes aegypti, in Qatar, if confirmed, poses a risk of local outbreaks. Therefore, regular vector surveillance is needed to assess the distribution, biting habits and abundance of vector mosquito species and the risk for mosquito-borne diseases.