Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Dengue Fever in Nishtar Medical University Hospital Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is a common vector borne disease caused by dengue virus. In developing tropical countries, it is considered as one of the major public health problems. Consequently, this disease is highly associated with increased morbidity, mortality and economic burden to poorly resourced health system of less privileged countries.

Aim and objectives: The current work is intended to assess the incidence, signs, symptoms, and epidemiological characteristics of cases of Dengue fever presenting in Nishtar Medical University Hospital Multan Pakistan.

Study design:

Descriptive cross-sectional study

Place and duration of study:

Department of Infectious Diseases, Nishtar Medical University Hospital Multan Pakistan. The time span of study was from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2017.

Method:

The present work was a prospective cross –sectional study conducted in our centre.  A total 876 fever cases, fulfilling WHO criteria for dengue suspicion were included as target population of the study. For each individual case, detailed history and thorough physical examination was performed. In addition to routine baseline investigations, the disease-specific investigations such as rapid immuno chromatographic card test were also performed to confirm the diagnosis. A specifically predesigned proforma was used to collect socio- demographic profile, signs and symptoms of serologically diagnosed cases. The data were analyzed by using computer program SPSS 21.

Results: The results of our study exposed that out of 576 suspected cases, 254 patients were serologically positive for Dengue fever. The highest number of cases (110 cases) was reported in the 3rd week of September. Maximum number of dengue cases reported were males belonging to 31-40 years age group from urban area. Fever was the main complaint in all the cases followed by vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain.

Conclusion: Dengue is one of the major public health problems in developing countries like India. A large number of cases are reported in the monsoon and post-monsoon period in the month of September and October. Measures can be taken both at personal and government level to reduce morbidity and mortality from dengue.

Keywords: Dengue, Epidemiology, Fever, Signs, Symptoms