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Dengue type 3 virus, Saint Martin, 2003-2004
Christophe N Peyrefitte1, Boris A M Pastorino, Maël Bessaud
1Institut de Médecine Tropicale du Service de Santé des Armées, Marseille Armées, France. publi.viro@laposte.net
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 14, 2005
Summary
Dengue type 3 virus spread during a 2003-2004 outbreak on Saint Martin island. Genetic analysis revealed its origin linked to viruses from Martinique.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Saint Martin island experienced a dengue virus outbreak during the winter of 2003-2004.
- Dengue type 3 had not been detected on the island for the previous three years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the spread and origin of dengue virus during the 2003-2004 outbreak on Saint Martin island.
- To identify the specific dengue serotype involved in the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of dengue viruses from patients presenting clinical symptoms.
- Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated dengue viruses.
Main Results:
- Dengue type 3 viruses were successfully isolated from six patients.
- Genomic analysis indicated a shared origin between the Saint Martin dengue type 3 viruses and those previously found in Martinique.
Conclusions:
- The 2003-2004 outbreak on Saint Martin was caused by Dengue type 3.
- The virus likely originated from Martinique, highlighting potential viral transmission routes in the French West Indies.