Dengue Fever in the United States

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Michael D. Malison, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 1983-01-28
• Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA): JAMA
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 1983, American Medical Association
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1983.03330280042027
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of the American Medical Association
• ISSN: 0098-7484
• Volume: 249
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: 496
• End Page: 496
• Keywords: imported cases; dengue fever; endemic; epidemiology; case cluster
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

In the United States during 1981, fourteen state health departments reported a total of 44 imported cases of dengue fever. Most originated in the Caribbean, where dengue type 4 has reached pandemic proportions. Because the mosquito vector for dengue is abundant throughout the southeast and imported cases continue to occur, the possibility exists for indigenous dengue transmission. We report a cluster of imported dengue type 1 cases in Florida, discuss the clinical, epidemiologic, and public health aspects of the disease, and make recommendations as to how clinicians can assist public health officials in minimizing the risk of indigenous dengue transmission in the United States.