Epidemiological and Entomological Investigation of Dengue Fever Outbreak in South Nias District, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, 2016

Abstract

Dengue infection continues to present as a serious public health problem in North Sumatera, Indonesia. A dengue fever outbreak was reported in Teluk Dalam Subdistrict, South Nias District, North Sumatera during February 2016. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify the risk factors and recommend control measures. An observational study with a matched case-control design was conducted. A case was defined as a resident of Teluk Dalam District who had suffered two or more clinical symptoms of fever, headache, pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash from 14 Feb to 16 Mar 2016. Blood samples were tested to confirm the diagnosis and serotype identification. Total 68 cases and 68 controls were included in the matched case-control study. The case fatality rate was 2.9%, age ranged from six months to 51 years (median 25 years). Three out of six cases were tested positive for DEN-3 serotype. In multivariate analyses, not eliminating mosquito breeding sites routinely (adjusted odds ratio = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.48-9.46) and having habit of hanging worn clothes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.21-6.96) were risk factors. Elimination of mosquito breeding sites routinely, proper management of worn clothes, and conducting strict surveillance for dengue infection were recommended.