Serological evidence of dengue virus activity in children on the Northern Leeward Islands (Netherlands Antilles)

An arbovirus serologic survey of school children on the Northern Leeward Islands (Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten) using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) detected a high proportion of reactors to dengue types 1,2, and 3. Analysis in relation to age showed an increasing proportion to be positive with increasing age. The results of an all-age survey on St. Eustatius 1970 led to the hypothesis of possible dengue serotype 1 activity on St. Eustatius around 1900, whilst it is thought that dengue type 2 was endemic at other times. In view of the continuous high endemic dengue activity the (re)-appearance of dengue serotype 1 next to type 2 and 3 may be the prelude to the occurrence of the dengue shock syndrome.