Seroprevalence of dengue in the tribal district of central India

Abstract

Dengue is a vector-borne disease that is a major public health threat globally affecting three billion people with approximately 200 million cases of morbidity and 50,000 cases of mortality annually. It is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. It is caused by the dengue virus (DENV, 1–4 serotypes). The clinical manifestations of dengue vary from mild fever to severe hemorrhage, shock, and death. It is critical to make an early and accurate laboratory diagnosis of DENV infection for effective patient management. Dengue is now no more restricted to the urban population, it has become endemic in the rural population as well. 1. To find the seroprevalence of dengue virus infection in the tribal population of Gondia district. 2. To observe the seasonal variation of dengue cases. This study was conducted under the NVBDC program at the Department of Microbiology, GMC, Gondia which is the sentinel center for Dengue and Chikungunya. The Study was carried out from October 2018 to September 2020. Serum samples of patients with dengue-like clinical illness were subjected to IgM antibody detection by dengue MAC ELISA. Seroprevalence of dengue in Gondia was found to be 12.37% (48/388). The most common age group affected was 21-30 years (39.59%). Males (54.17%) were affected more than females (45.83%). The peak of dengue cases was observed in September 2019. Less number of cases were reported in the year 2020.Newer diagnostic techniques, public awareness programs, better education, and proper monitoring of vector control are required to prevent dengue outbreaks.