DEMOGRAPHIC AND SEROPREVALENCE PATTERNS, OF DENGUE SEROTYPES IN DISTRICT DIR (L)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64105/mcm72m84Abstract
Background: Dengue fever is a major arboviral threat, spread mainly by Aedes aegypti. It is a substantial public health challenge in Pakistan. In 2024, Tehsil Adenzai, District Dir Lower, had a notable dengue outbreak.
Objective: This study explores seroprevalence, demographics, and dengue serotypes during the 2024 outbreak in Tehsil Adenzai. The aim is to guide targeted control strategies.
Methods: We analyzed 87 confirmed NS1-positive cases. Blood samples were collected using WHO protocols. Samples underwent RNA extraction and RT-qPCR for serotype identification using standard lab methods.
Results: The outbreak showed clear patterns relevant to public health response. Males accounted for 56.3% of cases, and specific occupations had greater exposure. Most cases clustered in Ooch (19.5%), Bahram Shilman (18.4%), and Chakdara (14.9%), together contributing over half of the total. Adults aged 20–59 were predominantly affected (69%). DENV-2 was the leading serotype (40.2%), with DENV-1 (29.9%) and DENV-3 (9.2%) less common.
Conclusion: Dengue cases are grouped by location and demographic factors. This shows targeted interventions are important. DENV-2 is the most common and is linked to more severe illness, so better serotype monitoring is needed. Effective control will require focused vector management for high-risk jobs, community involvement, and ongoing serotype tracking.
Keywords: Dengue fever, Serotype distribution, Hotspots, Epidemiology, Pakistan, Vector control
