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Abstract:
From March to July 1990, an epidemic of classical dengue caused by dengue types 1 and 4 (DEN-1 and DEN-4) occurred in Iquitos and the surrounding area of the department of Loreto in the Amazon region of Peru (Figure 1). A smaller outbreak was reported in Tarapoto in the neighboring department of San Martin. Although cases were reported in Peru during 1953-1955 and in 1958 (1), the epidemic in 1990 was the first laboratory confirmation of indigenous transmission of dengue in Peru. This report summarizes the preliminary findings of the epidemiologic investigation by the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the U.S. Naval Medical Research Institute Detachment (NAMRID), Lima, Peru, which conducted special studies and laboratory confirmation of cases in persons seen at the Peruvian Naval Medical Center, Iquitos, Peru.
Insights
An epidemic of dengue virus types 1 and 4 occurred in Peru in 1990, marking the first confirmed indigenous transmission. This outbreak prompted an epidemiologic investigation in the Amazon region.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Classical dengue epidemics, caused by dengue types 1 and 4 (DEN-1 and DEN-4), occurred in Iquitos and Loreto, Peru, from March to July 1990.
- A smaller outbreak was also reported in Tarapoto, San Martin.
- Previous dengue cases were reported in Peru during 1953-1955 and 1958, but the 1990 epidemic represented the first laboratory-confirmed indigenous transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize preliminary findings of the 1990 dengue epidemic in Peru.
- To document the first laboratory-confirmed indigenous transmission of dengue in Peru.
- To report on the epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Peruvian Ministry of Health and the U.S. Naval Medical Research Institute Detachment.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiologic investigation conducted by the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the U.S. Naval Medical Research Institute Detachment (NAMRID).
- Special studies and laboratory confirmation of dengue cases.
- Data collection from patients at the Peruvian Naval Medical Center in Iquitos.
Main Results:
- An epidemic of classical dengue caused by DEN-1 and DEN-4 occurred in Iquitos and Loreto, Peru.
- Laboratory confirmation of indigenous dengue transmission in Peru was established for the first time.
- The investigation identified the specific dengue serotypes involved in the 1990 epidemic.
Conclusions:
- The 1990 epidemic was the first confirmed instance of indigenous dengue virus transmission in Peru.
- The findings underscore the emergence of dengue in the Amazon region of Peru.
- Continued surveillance and research are crucial for managing dengue outbreaks in the region.