Abstract

GIMENEZ, Vivian et al. Laboratory Findings and Symptomatology Benchmarks in Pediatric Patients in Paraguay during the Dengue Epidemic of 2007. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2011, vol.38, n.1, pp.12-16. ISSN 1683-9803.

ABSTRACT Dengue is the most common vector-borne virus infection and that which causes the highest worldwide morbidity and mortality. Dengue is endemic in almost all countries in the Americas, with cyclical outbreaks occurring every 3 to 5 years over the last 25 years, and with each outbreak year showing higher incidence than the preceding one. Dengue is therefore considered an emerging infectious disease and a global health problem. This study assessed the clinical and laboratory characteristics identified in children and adolescents with suspected dengue examined at the Health Sciences Research Institute of Paraguay during the 2007 epidemic in Paraguay. A cross-sectional observational and descriptive study was conducted of 47 children and adolescents with an average age of 10 years, of whom 12 (30%) were IgM positive for the dengue virus. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, musculoskeletal pain and rash. Dengue remains a diagnostic challenge, particularly in children, and since there is as yet no effective immunization or specific antiviral treatment, combating the disease is limited to vector control and treatment of symptoms.

Keywords : Dengue; adolescents; children; Paraguay; symptoms; signs.

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