Prevalence of Dengue Fever in Rawalpindi, Islamabad - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an important vector borne viral disease of public health significance .Dengue fever is on the rise in Pakistan  with  considerable morbidity and mortality in recent outbreaks .We undertook the study to analyze the prevalence of Dengue fever in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region.

Objectives: The object of our study was to estimate the burden of dengue fever in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region. Another aim of our study was to evaluate and if possible alleviate the anxiety associated with dengue fever. We wanted to find out the factual prevalence of the disease. We aimed to determine the most common age group and gender of the illness as well.

Study Design: Cross Sectional Study.

Place and Duration of Study:  This study was conducted in Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad from 1^st September to 15^th November 2011.

Materials and Methods:  People of all ages and both sexes with suspicion of Dengue were included in the study.

Results:  A total of 16616 people turning up at these hospitals were tested for Dengue virus. Only 2269 were positive for disease (13.6%). Male to female ratio came out to be 2.1:1 and maximum number of cases belonged to age group 21-30 years.

Conclusion: The number of cases turning up with Dengue suspicion is out of proportion to actual disease burden. Thus we need to alleviate the anxiety associated with the disease. There is a genuine need for strict adherence to preventive control measures and research needs to be undertaken in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the Dengue.