Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue at a tertiary care center in Kutch region during the year 2019

Abstract

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito borne viral disease of mankind, with a 30 fold increase in global incidence over the last five decades. It is a major public health concern throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The present study was conducted with objective to study epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue infection during the year 2019 in Kutch region, Gujarat, India.The study was carried out from January 2019 to December 2019 at Department of Microbiology, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, G.K. General Hospital, Bhuj. The patients having suspected dengue fever was based on standard criteria like presentation of febrile illness of 2-7 days duration were included in this study.A total of 1509 blood samples were collected during study period and serologically tested for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody by capture ELISA testing method. Total 1509 blood samples were tested by ELISA for NS1 antigen and/or IgM antibody as per the protocols and personal, demographic and clinical details of each patient was recorded. Out of 1509 cases 761 tested positive for dengue. Amongst all positive cases 533(47%) were tested positive for NS1 antigen which helped in early diagnosis of dengue. Rise of dengue cases started after the month of October and falls down by the end of December. Analysis of this data revealed that age group 00-10 years had maximum dengue cases. Male cases 418(55%) were more than females 343(45%). Dengue cases were high in urban area.The present study reported that dengue mainly affected children, males and urban population. Perennial occurrence with seasonal increase during monsoon and post monsoon moths was reported. Effective implementation of vector control measures through efforts toward vector breeding source reduction and with the use of personal prophylactic measures against mosquito bites will help in reducing the dengue prevalence in the community.