PREVALENCE AND TREND OF DENGUE VIRAL DISEASE IN TAMIL NADU DURING 2017 – 2021 – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract


Background : Globally, Dengue is one of the most common vector borne disease. The actual burden of the disease is not quantified. Understanding the prevalence and trend of dengue can help to improve prevention and control strategies. Our study assessed the trend in prevalence of dengue in Tamil Nadu during 2017-2021.

Methodology : This study was conducted at Directorate of Public Health & Preventive Medicine (DPH&PM), Tamil Nadu using the data collected from January 2017 to December 2021. Patient data were received from all districts of Tamil Nadu utilizing the District Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) Network of DPH&PM. We analysed epidemiological trend, including age, gender and seasonal distribution.

Results : Among the 2,44,175 suspected cases, 29,096 confirmed Dengue cases (12%) were recorded during 2017 – 2021. Our results indicate males were affected slightly more than females by dengue viruses. The number of dengue cases incidence was found almost equal among 20 – 59 and 6-19 age groups. Our results report major proportion of positive cases in the post-monsoon period, more prominently between September and November. Higher incidence of dengue cases has been recorded in Northern and Southern TN zones. Central TN reported least number of dengue cases.

Conclusion : Our results highlight that dengue is an endemic disease and there is a necessity to increase dengue diagnosis among the population, especially in northern TN districts. Apart from enabling policy makers to implement effective interventional measures to reduce the case burden, early diagnosis of dengue among TN population will aid in treating them based on their needs ultimately reducing mortality and morbidity.