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Dengue type 3 infection--Nicaragua and Panama, October-November 1994
Abstract:
The geographic range and incidence of dengue virus activity in the Americas substantially increased from 1980 to 1994. During this period, all dengue activity in the Americas was associated with dengue serotypes 1, 2, and 4 (DEN-1, DEN-2, and DEN-4). On November 25, 1994, the Ministry of Health of Nicaragua announced the isolation of dengue type 3 (DEN-3) from two children hospitalized with minor hemorrhagic manifestations in Managua. Subsequently, DEN-3 virus was isolated from two persons with dengue fever in Panama. These cases represent the first isolation of DEN-3 from autochthonous cases in the Americas since 1977. This report describes these cases and dengue activity in Nicaragua and Panama and summarizes public health activities to control dengue fever in the Americas.
Insights
Dengue virus type 3 (DEN-3) re-emerged in the Americas in 1994 after a 17-year absence, detected in Nicaragua and Panama. This marks a significant shift in dengue virus serotypes circulating in the region.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue virus activity significantly increased in the Americas between 1980 and 1994.
- During this period, only dengue serotypes 1, 2, and 4 (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-4) were associated with dengue activity in the region.
Observation:
- In November 1994, dengue type 3 (DEN-3) was isolated from two children in Nicaragua with minor hemorrhagic manifestations.
- Following this, DEN-3 was identified in individuals with dengue fever in Panama.
Findings:
- These isolations represent the first detection of DEN-3 from autochthonous cases in the Americas since 1977.
- The re-emergence of DEN-3 indicates a change in the circulating dengue virus serotypes in the Americas.
Implications:
- This finding necessitates updated public health strategies for dengue surveillance and control.
- Understanding the re-emergence of DEN-3 is crucial for predicting future dengue outbreaks and disease severity in the Americas.