Recently released study findings are lending new insight concerning the dengue virus impact in Ethiopia.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne RNA virus representing one of the most serious and rapidly spreading arboviral diseases in the world.
Details published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examined a cross-sectional study of all febrile patients visiting Metema and Humera hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia between March 2016 and May 2017, as blood samples from each patient were tested for anti-DENV, and risk factors for the virus were assessed.
Investigators said of the 600 blood samples tested, the overall prevalence of anti-DENV detected was 33.3 percent, with slightly higher rates in Metema compared to Humera.
The overall prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies against DENV infection was 19 percent and 21 percent, respectively, officials said, with the highest prevalence of antibodies found in the spring and summer, with a peak in August.
Researchers said the presence of antibodies against DENV infection indicates dengue as one of the causes of undifferentiated febrile illness in the study areas. The finding suggests prevention and control measures should be designed considering the risk factors identified in the study.
The study was conducted with the support of the University of Gondar and the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia through Armauer Hansen Research Institute.