Imported Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): María Jesús Pinazo Delgado, José Muñoz Gutierrez, Ljiljana Betica Radic, Tomislav Maretic, Sime Zekan, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Ethel Sequeira Aymar, Antoni Trilla, Joaquim Gascon Brustenga
Primary Institution: Barcelona International Health Research Center
Hypothesis
The incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is increasing in Europe due to imported cases from endemic areas.
Conclusion
The case highlights the need for awareness of dengue fever in returning travelers, as DHF could become more frequent in Europe.
Supporting Evidence
- Imported dengue hemorrhagic fever cases have been reported in Europe since 1977.
- The patient fulfilled all four World Health Organization criteria for DHF diagnosis.
- Serologic tests confirmed dengue infection with positive results for dengue type 1 virus.
- Travel to dengue-endemic areas increases the probability of diagnosing dengue fever in Europe.
Takeaway
A woman who traveled to dengue-endemic areas got very sick with dengue fever after returning to Europe, showing that this disease can happen here too.
Methodology
The case study involved clinical observation and laboratory tests to diagnose dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, which may not represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
A 33-year-old Spanish woman who had traveled to India, Thailand, and Brazil.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website