Outbreak investigation and control measures following dengue fever cases in Vadodara, July-August 2017

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is one of the major public health problems among all the vector born diseases. It is an emerging disease of tropical and sub-tropical regions, affecting urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Twenty five cases of dengue fever were reported in our hospital and other private hospitals from Undera village, which is in the peri urban area of Vadodara, so an investigation was carried out. The objective of this study is to find out the incidence and demographic details of people affected by fever during the outbreak and to find the environmental factors responsible for the outbreak.Methods: Community based, cross-sectional, direct interviewing of community members of Undera village in Vadodara district was carried out on 21st August 2017 and 23rd August 2017.Results: In this outbreak investigation, 219 fever cases were reported from 2930 population residing in 645 houses. There were 25 confirmed cases of dengue fever, out of which three deaths were reported. This included one pregnant woman during this outbreak. Seventy percent of fever cases were in the age group 0-30 years. Daily wagers were affected more than other occupations. At least one fever case was reported from 109 houses. Breeding places for mosquitoes were observed surrounding the houses from were fever cases reported.Conclusions: The dengue fever outbreak was confirmed through laboratory as well as clinico-epidemiological correlation with confirmed clinical picture and presence of breading places of Aedes mosquitoes. The fatality rate was 12% and there were three complicated deaths.