Prevalence of Dengue among suspected patients visited at Nobel medical college teaching, Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal

Abstract

Dengue fever (DF) is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), of which there are four different serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) and is transmitted by the principal vectors Aedes aeypti and Aedes albopictus. The morbidity and mortality due to dengue are increasing in most countries. In order to assess the prevalence of disease among suspected patients visiting Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital of Biratnagar, Morang, Nepal, along with the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the infected patients. A total of 1198 suspected patients visiting hospital were diagnosed with dengue fever using an antigenantibody

rapid diagnostic test for a period of six months (5 th Jesth to 15 th Kartik, 2076). Among 1198 suspected cases, overall dengue prevalence was found to be 137 (11.43%). In case of sex, out of 720 males, 89 (12.36%) were dengue positive, and out of 478 females, 48 (10.04%) were dengue positive. The age group 21-30 years (25.54%) was the most infected, while the age group >51 years (9.48%) were the least infected. The highest prevalence was recorded during the month of Ashad (19.67%). Similarly, according to the antigen/antibody test, NS1 positives (70%) were more common than IgM positives 25 (18.2%) and IgG 8(6%). In case of district-wise prevalence, among 137 positive cases, the highest was found in Sunsari (54.03%), followed by Morang (38.7%), and the least was seen in Mahottari (only 0.72%). Among 137 positive cases among ethnic groups, Brahmins (55.14%) and Chettris (24.08%) were found to be more infected than others. The results of the questionnaire survey indicated that awareness of the disease and knowledge of its symptoms were good among infected people. Similarly, the preventive practices for the disease that people followed seem good. Hence, disease conditions are still worsening the lives of the people in this area. In order to reduce the disease burden, community-focused awareness and preventive programming need to be initiated as soon as possible.