Is dengue emerging as a major public health problem?

Abstract

The overall significant increase in dengue IgM seropositivity among the suspected cases indicates an increase in dengue virus activity, raising the question whether dengue is emerging/re-emerging as a major health problem in southern India. Increase in probable secondary infection (as evidenced by dual positivity for dengue IgM and IgG) seen in this study is also a point of concern. Such an increase especially in a country like ours where multiple serotypes are prevalent, raises concern over probable increase in the incidences of the more serious DHF/DSS. As this report could well be an underestimate of true incidence, the alarming increase observed in 2003, may be a warning/indication of epidemics to come soon that merits serious consideration.