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Dengue in Gujarat state, India during 1988 & 1989
P V Mahadev1, V V Kollali, M L Rawal
1National Institute of Virology, Pune.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Dengue virus type 2 outbreaks occurred in Gujarat, India, in 1988. Epidemiological and entomological studies confirmed widespread Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding in urban and rural areas, indicating disease spread mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Medical Entomology
- Virology
Background:
- Epidemics of febrile illness were reported in Gujarat, India, in 1988.
- Initial investigations suggested the involvement of dengue virus activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of febrile illness outbreaks in Gujarat.
- To identify the dengue virus serotype involved.
- To assess the distribution and breeding sites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of virus strains from human sera and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Serological testing of patient sera for dengue and flavivirus antibodies.
- Entomological surveys to determine Aedes aegypti distribution and breeding habits.
Main Results:
- Dengue virus type 2 was isolated from human sera in Surat and Sabarkantha.
- Dengue virus type 2 was also isolated from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Chotasan village.
- 122 out of 560 sera tested showed evidence of dengue infection.
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were widespread in both urban and rural areas, breeding in non-potable water containers, scrap, and tyre dumps.
Conclusions:
- Dengue virus type 2 was the causative agent of the 1988 febrile illness epidemics in Gujarat.
- Widespread Aedes aegypti populations, particularly breeding in artificial containers, facilitate dengue virus transmission.
- Urbanization and population movement contribute to the spread of dengue virus.