Ongoing outbreak of dengue serotype-3 in Solomon Islands, January to May 2013

Authors

  • Francisco Nogareda Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response. Division of Pacific Technical Support, World Health Organization, Suva, Fiji
  • Cynthia Joshua Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands; WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Alison Sio Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Matthew Shortus WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Tenneth Dalipanda Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Kara Durski WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Jennie Musto WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Elliot Puiahi Medical Laboratory, National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Alfred Dofai Medical Laboratory, National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • John Aaskov WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference and Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
  • Van Mai Cao-Lormeau Unit of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institut Louis Malardé, Papeete, French Polynesia
  • Didier Musso Unit of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institut Louis Malardé, Papeete, French Polynesia
  • Nick Dutta WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Juliet Fleischl WHO Solomon Islands Office, World Health Organization, Honiara, Solomon Islands
  • Eric J Nilles Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response. Division of Pacific Technical Support, World Health Organization, Suva, Fiji

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2013.4.2.013

Abstract

Introduction: In January, 2013, clinicians in Honiara, noted a number of patients presenting with dengue-like illness. Serum from three patients tested positive with rapid diagnostic test.  Over the subsequent weeks an increasing number of cases was identified. DENV-3 outbreak was confirmed by viral isolation and by RT-PCR. This report describes the on-going outbreak investigation, findings, and response.

Methods: Enhanced dengue surveillance was implemented in the capital Honiara and provinces including training on dengue case definitions, data collection and reporting. Vector surveillance operations were conducted to identify implicated vector(s).

Results: From 3 January to 15 May, 2013, 5,254 cases of suspected dengue were reported (101.5 per 10,000 population), including 401 hospitalizations and six deaths. The median age of patients was 20 years (range 0 to 90) with most in adults. Eighty-six per cent of the cases were reported from Honiara. Both Aedes aegyti and Aedes albopictus were identified in Honiara. Outbreak response control measures included clinical update training seminars, vector control activities, implementation of diagnostic and case management protocols and a public communication campaign.

Discussion:This is the first large dengue outbreak reported in the Solomon Islands since the Second World War. Factors that might have contributed to this outbreak include a largely susceptible population, the presence of a highly efficient dengue vector in Honiara; a high density human population with numerous breeding sites and favoured weather conditions for mosquito proliferation. Although the number of cases has plateaued over since 1 April, continued enhanced nationwide surveillance and response activities are necessary.

Published

22-07-2013

How to Cite

1.
Nogareda F, Joshua C, Sio A, Shortus M, Dalipanda T, Durski K, Musto J, Puiahi E, Dofai A, Aaskov J, Cao-Lormeau VM, Musso D, Dutta N, Fleischl J, Nilles EJ. Ongoing outbreak of dengue serotype-3 in Solomon Islands, January to May 2013. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2013 Jul. 22 [cited 2024 Nov. 2];4(3). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/206

Issue

Section

Other topic - Outbreak Investigation Report

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