Dengue in Mexico. Current epidemiological situation

Gómez-Dantés, H.; Montesano-Castellanos, R.; López-Moreno, S.; Tapia-Conyer, R.; Gómez-Dantés, H; Montesano-Castellanos, R; López-Moreno, S; Tapia-Conyer, R

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Dengue in Mexico. Current epidemiological situation

Gómez-Dantés, H.; Montesano-Castellanos, R.; López-Moreno, S.; Tapia-Conyer, R.

Gaceta Medica de Mexico 131(2): 237-240

1995

ISSN/ISBN: 0016-3813

PMID: 8549915

Document Number: 451265

The incidence of dengue has declined steadily in Mexico from >50 000 cases in 1980 to 8072 in 1994; however, it is known that only a small proportion of cases are reported. A serological survey carried out in 1986 showed that >50% of the population of Oaxaca, Michoacan, Guerrero, Yucatan and Chiapas states were seropositive for dengue, compared with 22.5-33.7% elsewhere. The most important risk factors are the population density of the vector Aedes aegypti, which dengue serotypes (1, 2 or 4) are present, and virulence. Women are more exposed to vector bites than men and the infection rate increases with age. Immunity is permanent for each serotype but previous infection considerably increases the risk of the individual developing haemorrhagic dengue or dengue shock syndrome. Of the 8072 cases reported in 1994, 30 were of haemorrhagic dengue and the mortality rate was 23.3%. Up to the end of May 1995, 988 cases including 19 haemorrhagic ones had been reported for that year, compared with only 238 and no haemorrhagic cases in the same period of 1994, representing an increase of 315%. The true frequency and distribution of dengue must be studied before the disease can be diagnosed and managed efficiently.