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Dengue surveillance in Florida, 1997-98
1Florida Departmnt of Health, Bureau of Laboratories and University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA. Julia_Gill2@doh.state.fl.us
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 2000
Summary
Florida faces increased dengue risk due to imported cases. Active surveillance found 18 dengue infections, all serotypes, highlighting a higher import rate than previously known.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue outbreaks are occurring in nearby regions like the Caribbean and Central/South America.
- Florida has mosquito vectors capable of transmitting dengue.
- Previous surveillance methods may underestimate dengue importation into Florida.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the rate of dengue importation into Florida.
- To evaluate the risk of local dengue transmission in Florida.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory-based active surveillance program was conducted from April 1997 to March 1998.
- Case identification involved laboratory confirmation of dengue virus infections.
- Patient travel history was collected to identify potential sources of infection.
Main Results:
- Eighteen cases of dengue were detected during the surveillance period.
- All four dengue serotypes were identified among the detected cases.
- All patients reported recent travel to dengue-endemic countries.
Conclusions:
- Dengue infections are imported into Florida at a significantly higher rate than previously estimated by passive surveillance.
- The findings suggest an increasing risk for autochthonous (local) dengue transmission in Florida.