Related Experiment Videos
Dengue activity in Puerto Rico during an interepidemic period (1995-1997).
J G Rigau-Pérez1, A Ayala-López, A V Vorndam
1Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920-3860, USA.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|June 27, 2001
Summary
Dengue incidence in Puerto Rico decreased after 1994 but varied by location and year, with dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, and 4 circulating. Local conditions and past outbreaks influenced dengue risk.
Area of Science:
- * Epidemiology
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Public Health
Background:
- * Dengue fever is a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions.
- * Puerto Rico experienced a dengue epidemic in 1994, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
- * Understanding dengue epidemiology is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze dengue incidence and characteristics in Puerto Rico from 1995 to 1997.
- * To identify demographic and geographic patterns of dengue virus circulation.
- * To investigate the impact of local conditions on dengue risk.
Main Methods:
- * Retrospective analysis of laboratory-diagnosed dengue cases reported in Puerto Rico between 1995 and 1997.
- * Isolation and identification of circulating dengue virus serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-4).
- * Geographic mapping of high-incidence municipalities and demographic analysis of affected populations.
Main Results:
- * Average annual dengue incidence decreased from 6.73/1,000 in 1994 to 1.75/1,000 during 1995-1997.
- * Dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, and 4 were isolated; DEN-2 predominated in 1995-1996, and DEN-4 in 1997.
- * Incidence was highest in individuals under 30; hospitalization rates ranged from 28.3% to 37.9%, with severe manifestations and mortality observed.
- * Geographic distribution of high-incidence areas shifted from eastern to western municipalities over the study period.
- * No significant impact of hurricane preparations or floods on dengue incidence was observed.
- * A notable outbreak in Villalba (DEN-2, 1995) highlighted the role of local factors and epidemic history.
Conclusions:
- * Dengue incidence in Puerto Rico declined post-1994 but remained a concern, with shifts in geographic hotspots.
- * The circulation of multiple dengue virus serotypes and their varying predominance underscore the risk of recurrent epidemics.
- * Local conditions and prior epidemic history are critical determinants of dengue risk at the municipal level.