Epidemiological Scenario of Dengue Infection Over Two Years During 2021-2022, in Madurai Corporation

Abstract

Aim: To determine the incidence of Dengue in Madurai city during 2021 & 2022 by Dengue IgM ELISA and to analyse the epidemiological trend of Dengue infection including age, gender and seasonal variation. Methods: Serum samples from the suspected patients were screened using IgM antibody ELISA. Results: Maximum number of DENV cases occurred between October to March ranging from 43.3% in 2021 to 31.1% in 2022, with the peak in 2021 in February (19.7%) and in 2022 peak incidence was in January (18.1%). Dengue seropositivity was high in males than that of females. Though there is a slight difference, this is not statistically significant. Dengue positivity rate was the highest in Children less than 10 years and 11 – 20 years in 2021 and 11 – 20 & 21 – 30 years in 2022. In 2021 and 2022 more number of cases was found in Zone 4 followed by Zone 2. Zone 4 seems to be having more number of cases in both years. Conclusion: This study is another evidence which revealed that the incidence of dengue cases is spatially distributed in entire Madurai Corporation area and also the active circulation of DENV in several parts of the Tamil Nadu. The state health department needs to direct their efforts not only to control the spread but also on the future preparedness to prevent outbreaks. Key words: Dengue, IgM ELISA, Epidemiological and Madurai Corporation