CHARACTERISTICS OF DENGUE FEVER IN A LARGE PUBLIC HOSPITAL, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: This study aims to determine demographic, clinical and laboratory profile along with disease outcome of all confirmed cases of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) admitted in King Abdulaziz Hospital & Oncology Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We also want to highlight the significance of implementing a well targeted community based disease prevention program. Methods: All patients admitted from May 2004 till April 2005 with a suspected diagnosis of DF and DHF were followed. All cases confirmed by a positive serology (IgM alone or IgM and IgG) to dengue fever were studied in detail to determine age, gender, ethnicity, monthly distribution, clinical and laboratory profile. Results: A total of 80 patients were admitted with a suspected diagnosis of DF. Among these, 39 (48.75%) patients were confirmed by positive serology to have the disease. Male to female ratio was 3.3:1. Their ages ranged from 2 to 60 years with a mean of 27.6 + 11.2. Twelve patients were Saudis, while the rest were non-Saudis coming from different countries in Asia, Africa and Middle East. Maximum number of patients (48.72%) was seen in the summer months of June, July and August. Commonest presentation was fever (100%), headache (48.72%), myalgias (66.7%) and vomiting (25.64%). Rash, hemorrhagic manifestations and positive tourniquet test were relatively uncommon. Only two patients fulfille