English abstract
Background: Dengue fever is an infectious disease of global health concern. This study aimed to describe the
epidemiology and field experience of a locally transmitted outbreak of dengue fever in Muscat Governorate,
Oman from mid-March to mid-April 2022, and the multi-sectoral approach to control the outbreak.
Methods: Data were collected from an electronic e-notification system, active surveillance and contact investiga tions.
Results: Of 250 suspected and probable cases, 169 were confirmed as dengue fever with DENV-2 serotype. Of
these, 108 (63.9%) were male and 94 (55.6%) were Omani. The mean age was 39 years (standard deviation
13 years). Fever was the most common symptom and occurred in 100% of cases. Haemorrhagic manifestations
occurred in 10% (n=17) of cases. Hospitalization was required for 93 cases (55.1%). The field investigation
included 3444 houses and other suspected sites. Breeding sites for Aedes aegypti were identified in 565 (18.5%)
sites visited. Interventions to control the outbreak included environmental and entomological assessment of the
affected houses and surrounding areas (400 m radius of each house).
Conclusion: Outbreaks are expected to continue, with the possibility of severe cases due to antibody-dependent
enhancement. More data are required to understand the genetics, geographical spread and behaviour of A. aegypti
in Oman
