An Investigation of Dengue Outbreak, Tangchai Subdistrict, Muang Surin, 2023

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an important health problem in tropical regions, and the outbreaks typically occur during rainy seasons. In August 2024, Tang Chai Subdistrict in Muang Surin reported continuous Dengue cases for 8 weeks. A Joint Investigation Team was formed to confirm the outbreak, describe the epidemiology, study patient prevention behavior, and assess the villagers' knowledge of Dengue during 1^st June – 31^st August 2023.
Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Medical records were reviewed, and active case finding was performed in the community. Interviews were conducted with patients and villagers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additionally, entomology and environmental surveys were conducted by walking through the villages.
Results: The outbreak of Dengue was confirmed in Tang Chai Subdistrict, Muang Surin, with 8 children affected (median age of 9.5 years), during the rainy season. No severe cases or deaths were reported. The suspected source of the outbreak was the schools within the community, as the container index in these schools was found to be very high. Half of the patients lacked mosquito bite prevention measures, and half of the villagers lacked knowledge about Dengue fever prevention.
Conclusion: The schools in the community were identified as the suspected source of the Dengue fever outbreak in Tang Chai Subdistrict, Muang Surin, during the rainy season. To prevent further outbreaks, it is recommended to provide Dengue fever prevention knowledge in schools and perform larva control in schools and communities before the rainy season.