Detection of serotype 1-Dengue fever outbreak in Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue viruses are members of the Flavivirus genus and the Flaviviridae family, which are spread by the Aedes mosquito and have become a major public health concern around the world. There are four virus serotypes, which are designated as DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Infection with any one serotype confers lifelong immunity to that virus serotype.

Objective: the main objective of the study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological situation of the dengue fever outbreak.  

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used as of line list data report supported by active case search following dengue fever outbreak declaration in Dire Dawa starting August to October 2020. 

Result: A total of 436 suspected dengue fever cases were reported. In a total of 60 suspected patient samples collected and tested with RT-PCR, 13 samples were positive for Dengue virus serotype-1 with a 22% positivity rate. The overall attack rate was 130 /100,000 with a zero case fatality rate. 51.4% of Male individuals were affected compared to females (48.6%). Regarding the age group, 20-24 years old individuals were most affected (809 cases/100,000) population with the 27 and 17-29 median age and Interquartile range respectively. The chief complaints of the patients were Fever (100%), Headache (93%), and Joint Pain (90%). Additionally, Entomological indices, the House index (HI) Container index, and Breteau index (BI) were 67.3%, 85.6, and 171.2 respectively. 

Conclusion: the outbreak of dengue fever in Ethiopia is still a public health and cyclical problem. This research report revealed that the highest number of cases is dependent on the beginning and end of the rainy season linked to the high density of Aedes mosquitoes. All active age groups (20 -24 years old) of both male and female are the most vulnerable groups to Dengue fever due to high exposure to mosquito bites. The environmental management with good practice of dengue fever case management and integrated Arbovirus disease surveillance at level is required.