Dengue Fever (DF) in Pakistan

Fridous Jahan

doi:10.1186/1447-056x-10-1

Abstract

Dengue is a widespread mosquito-borne infection in human beings, which in recent years has become a major international public health concern. Symptomatic dengue virus infections can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from a mild febrile illness to a life-threatening shock syndrome. Both viral and host factors are thought to contribute to the manifestations of disease in each infected. It is important to understand its burden on health care, morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and suspicion of DF in primary care might reduce the complications if handled properly. We must understand the depth of the problem in terms of its transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and prevention.

Highlights

The World health Organization (WHO) declares dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever to be endemic in South Asia
Local Prevalence Pakistan first reported an epidemic of dengue fever in 1994.The epidemics in Sri Lanka and India were associated with multiple dengue virus serotypes, but DEN-3 was predominant and was genetically distinct from DEN-3 viruses previously isolated from infected persons in those countries
Family Physicians have a vital and active role to play in providing care, support and identifying the sign of impending hemorrhage which is serious consequences of Dengue Fever needs referral to tertiary care for intravenous fluid replacement, platelet transfusion along with supportive care

Summary

Background

The World health Organization (WHO) declares dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever to be endemic in South Asia. Pakistan is at high risk of being hit by large epidemics because of many over crowded cities, unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation, large number of refugees and low vaccination coverage These conditions promote the spread of infectious diseases and every year a large number of epidemics/outbreaks occur in different parts of the country, which result in increased morbidity and mortality. Local Prevalence Pakistan first reported an epidemic of dengue fever in 1994.The epidemics in Sri Lanka and India were associated with multiple dengue virus serotypes, but DEN-3 was predominant and was genetically distinct from DEN-3 viruses previously isolated from infected persons in those countries. Transmission Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which generally acquires the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person and transmit the disease to another non infected person It is primarily a daytime feeder lives around human habitation. After an incubation period of 2-8 days after an infective mosquito bite, the disease usually begins with sudden onset of fever and headache

Clinical Features

Findings

Conclusion