Surveillance of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Thailand

Abstract

A long-term surveillance system is necessary for planning and evaluation of hemorrhagic fever control. Dry blood collection and using one dengue 2 antigen have been proved to be an efficient method to detect low and high level of HI antibody, determined to prove dengue infection. The percentage of dengue infection serologically proved from cases reported throughout a 3 year study was 52%. Dengue infected cases were reported outside epidemic period with lowest incidence in January. The majority of dengue proven cases occur at age 6 yr. For chikungunya infection, studied in the Bangkok metropolis and in this study in 72 provinces, shows similar results indicating that chikungunya virus shows no significance in the clinical and laboratory study in the surveillance programme. This study provides definite information for the planning and evaluation of hemorrhagic fever control.