Clinical profile of dengue in a hitherto non-endemic region—A hospital based study from northeast India

Abstract

Abstract Background Global burden of dengue is substantial, with an annual incidence of 50 million cases. India has witnessed gradual rise in its incidence, mainly from urban regions. North-eastern India, hitherto non-endemic for dengue, has reported sporadic cases of dengue lately. Objective To study the clinical profile of dengue in north-east India. Method and material Clinical profile of 218 dengue patients (≥15 years) was studied in a hospital-based observational study. Dengue was diagnosed by WHO criteria and confirmed by NS1 antigen and/or dengue specific IgM ELISA tests. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS and STATA Data analysis and statistical software. A ‘p value’ Results There was male preponderance (58.7%), affecting mainly younger (15–34 years) subjects (73.85%). Majority (96.33%) were without travel history, none had dengue previously. Serological confirmation was present in 77.06%. On admission, mean haemoglobin and platelet counts were low with normal leucocyte count and haematocrit. Platelet and leucocyte counts declined during hospital stay; 8.25% developed severe thrombocytopenia ( 3 ) necessitating platelet transfusion, 17.43% developed leukopenia. Systemic hypotension was found in 13.3%. Mortality was nil and average hospital stay was 5.36 days. Conclusion First attacks of dengue without travel history, in a hitherto non-endemic region suggest recent endemicity.