Local Dengue Cases Increase in the Islamic Republic of Iran

In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, dengue outbreaks continue to be reported in 2024. The Ae. aegypti and some Ae. albopictus dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes have been identified in most of the countries in this region.

On July 17, 2024, the WHO Disease Outbreak News reported 12 autochthonous (local) cases of dengue documented in Iran, all of which were reported in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province. 

Additionally, there have been 137 travel-related dengue cases in 2024.

Iran reported an average of 20 imported dengue cases annually between 2017 and 2023.

Furthermore, WHO does not recommend any general travel or trade restrictions in Iran based on the available information.

The WHO recommends that vaccination against dengue be part of an integrated strategy to control the disease, including vector control, proper case management, community education, and community engagement.

WHO recommends that countries consider introducing the second-generation QDENGA® (TAK-003) vaccine into their routine immunization programs in locations where high transmission intensity of dengue poses a significant public health problem.

WHO does not currently recommend the programmatic use of TAK-003 in young children.

As of July 22, 2024, the QDENGA vaccine is not authorized for use in the United States.