Related Experiment Videos
A case of dengue hemorrhagic fever in a Japanese child
Insights
This report details the first confirmed case of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Japan. A young girl returning from Indonesia was diagnosed with DHF caused by dengue virus type 1, showing severe blood cell reduction.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe mosquito-borne viral illness.
- Dengue virus type 1 is one of the four serotypes causing DHF.
- Japanese encephalitis virus shares serological similarities with dengue viruses.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old Japanese girl developed fever and hemorrhagic manifestations after traveling in Indonesia.
- Blood tests revealed significant thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and leukopenia (low white blood cell count).
- Her father presented with similar dengue fever-like symptoms concurrently.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed dengue virus type 1 infection in both the girl and her father.
- The girl exhibited a secondary flavivirus antibody response, indicating prior exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus.
- This case represents the first documented instance of DHF in a Japanese national.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of imported arboviral diseases in non-endemic regions.
- Underscores the importance of considering DHF in febrile travelers returning from endemic areas.
- Suggests potential cross-reactivity in serological testing due to pre-existing flavivirus immunity.
Abstract:
A 6-year-old Japanese girl contracted a febrile illness with hemorrhagic manifestations when she traveled in Indonesia. A remarkable decrease in the numbers of platelets and white blood cells was observed in her acute-phase blood specimens. Her father, who accompanied her, showed dengue fever-like symptoms at almost the same time as her illness. It was determined by serological tests that they were infected with dengue virus type 1. Moreover, she showed a secondary antibody response to the flavivirus due to the pre-existing antibody to Japanese encephalitis virus. This is the first confirmed case of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Japanese people.