Clinico–epidemiological profile of confirmed cases of dengue infection: A tertiary care teaching hospital based study of central India

Introduction: Dengue is a common vector borne ailment caused by dengue virus & transmitted by aedes mosquitoes. It is a significant cause of morbidity in India presenting with wide range of severity & leading to complications like DHF and DSS. The present study was done to assess the clinico-epidemiological features of dengue cases attending the tertiary care hospital of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A prospective analytical study was carried out in the Pathology Depart­ment, GRMC Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, for a period of one year (Sept 2011- Oct 2012). Total 120 clinically suspected patients of dengue fever were evaluated by serological analysis for confirmation of cases. Results. Out of the 48 confirmed dengue cases majority of the cases i.e. 89.25%.were in the age group of 16-45 years. Males outnumbered the females giving M: F ratio of 2.2:1. All confirmed cases reported with fever. Around (85.4%) and (79.2%) had complaint of headache and bodyache. Conclusion: Dengue is an important public health problem affecting predominantly the male urban population of age group of 16-45yrs. Classical cases have clinical symptoms of fever, headache and bodyache which vary with virus strain, age and immune status of the host. Early diagnosis based on clinical profile, laboratory investigations along with proper management, community awareness, vector control measures and lastly constant vigilance by the health-care officials can change the situation in combating dengue infection.