BACKGROUND: During the past decade, dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) have become a public health problem in various Latin American countries. Indications of increased dengue cases in the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, early in 1997 were promptly investigated. METHODS: We conducted a sample sero-survey in one district of the city. Levels of antidengue IgM were determined and genetic analysis was performed on virus isolates. RESULTS: IgM antibodies were detected in 6.5% (95% CI: 3.4%-9.6%) of adults (over 15 years old) and 5.1% (2.0%-8.2%) of children (5-7 years old). Dengue virus serotype 2 subtype III ('Jamaica') was isolated. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated attack rates are compatible with a dengue epidemic in Santa Cruz. Isolation of dengue-2 'Jamaica' virus documents the further spread of this subtype from the Caribbean via Brazil into South America. Increased DHF preparedness seems mandatory.
BACKGROUND: During the past decade, dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) have become a public health problem in various Latin American countries. Indications of increased dengue cases in the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, early in 1997 were promptly investigated. METHODS: We conducted a sample sero-survey in one district of the city. Levels of antidengue IgM were determined and genetic analysis was performed on virus isolates. RESULTS: IgM antibodies were detected in 6.5% (95% CI: 3.4%-9.6%) of adults (over 15 years old) and 5.1% (2.0%-8.2%) of children (5-7 years old). Dengue virus serotype 2 subtype III ('Jamaica') was isolated. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated attack rates are compatible with a dengue epidemic in Santa Cruz. Isolation of dengue-2 'Jamaica' virus documents the further spread of this subtype from the Caribbean via Brazil into South America. Increased DHF preparedness seems mandatory.