Dengue in Curacao: an analysis of available data from 1993, 1995 and 1996 - abstract

ABSTRACT

Dengue is endemic in most countries of the Americas. The presentation of the disease can range from an undifferentiated fever to a more life-threatening form, ie., the dengue shock syndrome. Four serotypes of the viruses are distinguished the most common ones in the American regon are types 2 and 4. It is transmitted primarily through the Aedes aegypti, a vector widely found in the region. Dengue is also a health problem in Curacao, where since 1973 endemicity has been established. The objective of the present study is to describe the dengue situation in Curacao with regards to the prevalence, surveillance system and vector control, as well as the evaluation of these. This was done on laboratory-based surveillance data of the years 1993, 1995 and 1996. Cases were either confirmed by laboratory results or classified as probable cases based on clinical information, using the case definition of the Pan American Health Organization. Results of the surveys on larval indices of the same years are presented. The surveillance data show that there was an outbreak in the first few months of 1993. One death was reported in February. During this outbreak, dengue types 2 and 4 were isolated. In 1995, there were two outbreaks, one in March/April and another one later in the year during the year during the months October/November. At the beginning of 1996 the last cases of the 1995 outbreak were detected, but in the second half of the year no confirmed cases were reported. Both the curent surveillance system and the vector surveys hae provided valuable data. Nevertheless, the prevalence of the disease in 1995 shows that the availability of information is not enough for the prevention of disease if not combined with a defined plan of action. (AU)