87
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

The spectrum of disease severity, the burden of hospitalizations and associated risk factors in confirmed dengue among persons of all ages: findings from a population based longitudinal study from Barbados

ORCID Icon, , , , , & show all
Pages 396-404 | Received 20 Dec 2019, Accepted 26 Mar 2020, Published online: 14 Apr 2020
 

Abstract

Background: Dengue can be severe and potentially fatal in a small proportion. Risk factors for severe dengue have been highlighted but long term population based study is lacking. We assesses the severity and hospitalization in dengue.

Methods: This is a longitudinal population based prospective study of all persons with confirmed dengue in Barbados during the years 2006 through 2015. Most recent WHO criteria were used for classifying dengue severity. Disease severity and hospitalization need were two main outcomes.

Results: There were 2939 ambulatory and 1234 hospitalized cases. Compared to those in the age group 16–60 years, the risk of hospitalization was higher among persons over 61 years (RR = 1.8) and those under 16 years (RR = 1.7). Overall, 190 (4.4%), 771 (17.8%) and 3202 (73.7%) were classified as severe and dengue with and without warning signs respectively. The risk of severe dengue was higher in the over 60 years age group compared to the 16–60 years (RR = 1.97). Primary infection was at a lower risk of severe dengue compared to secondary infection (RR = 0.46).

Conclusions: Less than 5% of dengue presents with severe disease, the risk being highest among the elderly and those with previous dengue.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.