Abstract:
Background: Dengue fever has been considered as an imported non endemic disease in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the main vector the Aedes mosquito is not acquired locally, therefore cases were reported within expatriates and traveller mainly from endemic region. in April 2024, an unusual spike of dengue fever cases was seen during the heavy rains which made the UAE approach this epidemiological pattern with stronger surveillance, vector control and outbreak preparedness in the region.
Methods: a retrospective analysis of approximatley 3000 laboratory confirmed dengue cases seen between January 2023 and July 2026 was collected from local governmental hospitals and tertiary centers.According to institutional laboratory criteriaall cases were , confirmed by positive dengue PCR, NS1 antigen, or dengue IgM/IgG serology.Temporal trends before and after the flooding event were analyzed and interpreted alongside published UAE epidemiological literature, national surveillance reports, and public health response measures.
Results:During 2023 and early 2024, dengue cases remained low and stable, approximately lower than 60 cases per quarter. Following the April 2024 extreme flooding, cases increased sharply above the usual baseline, then after a multiapproach intervention and control plan, numbers returned to the usual baseline and began to decline, with a smaller secondary increase in early 2026. The post-flood surge occurred across multiple expatriate nationality groups, supporting a widespread environmental exposure rather than isolated imported clusters. These institutional findings align with national reports of increasing locally acquired dengue infections and expanding Aedes mosquito establishment in the UAE.
Conclusion: Dengue epidemiological analysis findings in the UAE show a shifting pattern, suggestive transformation of predominantly important disease towards an increasing local transmission following the heavy rainfall around April 2024. Strengthened surveillance, integrated vector control, clinician awareness, and community-based prevention will be essential to reduce the risk of sustained transmission.
Biography:
Dr. Shamma Naser Alkhanji is a physician from the United Arab Emirates with interests in infectious diseases, public health, epidemiology, and medical education. During her residency at Dubai Health, she contributed to multiple research and educational projects and presented her work at national and international conferences. She has recently been accepted into the Family Medicine Residency Program, where she plans to pursue clinical practice alongside research in preventive medicine, infectious diseases, and community health, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes in the UAE.
