Clustering of Dengue in Thai Villages
Author Information
Author(s): Mammen Mammen P Jr., Pimgate Chusak, Koenraadt Constantianus J. M, Rothman Alan L, Aldstadt Jared, Nisalak Ananda, Jarman Richard G, Jones James W, Srikiatkhachorn Anon, Ypil-Butac Charity Ann, Getis Arthur, Thammapalo Suwich, Morrison Amy C, Libraty Daniel H, Green Sharone, Scott Thomas W
Primary Institution: Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
Hypothesis
DENV transmission is spatially and temporally focal.
Conclusion
DENV transmission is highly localized in rural Thailand, suggesting targeted interventions could be effective.
Supporting Evidence
- All 27 DENV infections occurred in positive clusters.
- 12.4% of enrollees in positive clusters became infected within 15 days.
- Only 0.8% of collected mosquitoes were dengue-infected, all from positive clusters.
- Greater availability of piped water was found in negative clusters.
Takeaway
Dengue spreads mostly in small areas near infected people, so checking schools and spraying nearby homes can help stop it.
Methodology
Cluster investigations were conducted within 100 m of homes of febrile children to assess DENV transmission.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on serologic evidence and not accounting for adult contributions to transmission.
Limitations
Not all children and mosquitoes were sampled, and serotype characterization was limited.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 months to 15 years from rural Thai villages.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 1–19.8 per 100
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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