Journal of Tropical Diseases & Public Health

Abstract

Occurrence of Dengue Cases in Silvassa, Dadra Nagar Haveli (Union Territory), India

Vikram Khan, Daolatsinh Zala, Sandeep Sanghvi, H.C. Srivastava and VK Das

During last three years increase in dengue incidence was reported from Silvasssa city and adjoining area. We analyzed incidence to determine the occurrence of cases, investigate its causes, and recommend preventative measures for the control. Blood samples were collected from 1583 patients experiencing febrile illness clinically consistent with dengue infection. Serological confirmation of Dengue Infection was done using Dengue ELISA test which detected dengue-specific NS1 antigen, IgM antibody and IgG antibody. Out of 1583 suspected cases, 186 cases (11.75%) were confirmed as serologically positive. Contribution of factors was also noted, according to norms. The difference between the proportions of serologically positive cases during different months was significant (p < 0.05). A larger percentage (84.9%) of serologically positive cases was observed among adults. We also analyzed the association of local and climatic factor with dengue incidence in Silvassa and adjoining area during the year 2012.This retrospective study highlighted rainfall as the major and important climatic factor, which could alone or collectively be associated with infection of Dengue. Vector control strategy must be planned and implemented before onset of monsoon using effective larvicide, involvement of the communities, municipal corporations, industry management and other private sectors.