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Childhood dengue shock syndrome in Trinidad
Insights
Dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) has been identified for the first time in Trinidadian children. Early recognition of symptoms like vomiting and abdominal pain is crucial for prompt DHF/DSS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) is a significant cause of child mortality in Southeast Asia.
- The epidemiology of DHF/DSS in the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad, was previously undocumented.
Observation:
- The study reports the first occurrence of DHF/DSS in children in Trinidad.
- Clinical signs such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly were observed.
Findings:
- The presence of these symptoms during a dengue epidemic indicates a potential DHF/DSS outbreak.
- This marks a new geographical record for DHF/DSS in Trinidadian children.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for DHF/DSS in children presenting with these symptoms during dengue outbreaks.
- Aggressive supportive care and timely diagnosis are critical for improving patient outcomes.
- Public health strategies including vector control and community engagement are vital to prevent a worsening situation in the Caribbean.
Abstract:
Dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) is a major cause of hospitalisation and mortality among children in South East Asia. We now report, for the first time, the occurrence of DHF/DSS in Trinidadian children. The presence of vomiting, abdominal pain and hepatomegaly in the setting of a dengue epidemic should alert clinicians to the possibility of DHF/DSS. Timely diagnosis and aggressive supportive treatment are essential for a successful outcome. Source reduction, vector control and community participation are also necessary to avert the South East Asian scenario from emerging in the Caribbean.