SPATIAL AND SEASONAL VARIATION OF DENGUE FEVER IN LAHORE 2008

Objectives: 1. To find out the spatial and demographic profile of cases of dengue fever outbreak in Lahore (2008). 2. To find out the seasonal variation of the dengue fever outbreak.Study Period: Jan 2008 to Dec 2008.Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.Setting: Bacteriologist laboratory at Institute of Public Health Lahore.Sample Size: All the cases reported from Lahore city to the Bacteriologist laboratory during the study period.Methodology: Blood samples from 3215 dengue suspected cases referred to Bacteriologist laboratory from different areas of Lahore were tested for IgM antibodies by ELISA after subjecting them to initial screening by rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICT). Demographic and residen-tial data was recorded.Results and Conclusions: Among 3215 dengue suspected cases, 1766 (54.94%) were found serologi-cally reactive for IgM antibody. Reactive cases were stratified spatially according to administra-tive towns of Lahore. Higher positivity of dengue cases was observed in densely populated areas of the Lahore. Maximum reactive cases (73.21%) were observed during month of November. Patients in age group 20 – 29 years were more frequently affected (32.33%). Only 74 cases (4.1%) were children below 9 years. Males (58.55%) were affected more commonly than females (41.44%). It is concluded that during epidemic of dengue fever in Lahore (2008), more cases were observed from September to December from densely populated areas of Lahore in age group 20-29 years. Protective measures should be adopted for at risk population. Our study forms the basis for public health measures for better control of vector.