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Published on: July 4, 2007
Clinical manifestations of dengue and leptospirosis in children in Mumbai: an observational study
1Department of Pediatrics, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, India. drzakisyed@gmail.com
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the causes of acute febrile illness in children presenting to our hospital following an extremely heavy rainfall event in the city of Mumbai in 2005. The clinical and laboratory manifestations of leptospirosis and dengue together with their outcomes are also described.
Methods:
This was an observational study conducted from 26 July to 30 November 2005. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed by a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The diagnosis of dengue was confirmed by a positive immunoglobulin (IgM) antibody capture ELISA test. Clinical features of patients with and without leptospirosis, respectively, and with and without dengue, respectively, were analysed.
Results:
A total of 602 patients (age range 1 month to 12 years) admitted to our hospital for acute febrile illness with no obvious focus of infection were enrolled in the study. Of these, 30 had malaria, 11 had enteric fever and seven had mixed infections. Twenty-seven patients had leptospirosis. Three clinical features were significantly associated with leptospirosis: flood water contact, myalgia and conjunctival suffusion. Eighty-one children had dengue. All patients responded well to the treatment and were released to go home. Four clinical features were significantly associated with dengue, namely, giddiness, abdominal pain, rash and bleeding manifestations.
Conclusions:
Based on this review of the clinical and laboratory features of dengue fever and leptospirosis, we conclude that following the heavy rainfall event on 26 July 2005, there was a concurrent outbreak of leptospirosis and dengue among children presenting to our hospital.
Insights
Following heavy rainfall in Mumbai, a study found concurrent outbreaks of leptospirosis and dengue fever in children. Key symptoms identified included flood water contact, myalgia, conjunctival suffusion for leptospirosis, and giddiness, abdominal pain, rash, and bleeding for dengue.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Heavy rainfall events can increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.
- Mumbai experienced extreme rainfall in 2005, necessitating an investigation into associated febrile illnesses in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causes of acute febrile illness in children post-heavy rainfall in Mumbai.
- To describe the clinical and laboratory features and outcomes of leptospirosis and dengue in affected children.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted from July to November 2005.
- Leptospirosis was confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Dengue was confirmed using IgM antibody capture ELISA, and clinical features were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Out of 602 children with acute febrile illness, 27 had leptospirosis and 81 had dengue.
- Leptospirosis was associated with flood water contact, myalgia, and conjunctival suffusion.
- Dengue was associated with giddiness, abdominal pain, rash, and bleeding manifestations.
Conclusions:
- A concurrent outbreak of leptospirosis and dengue occurred in children following the 2005 Mumbai rainfall.
- Understanding these associated clinical features aids in diagnosing and managing post-monsoon febrile illnesses in children.
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