Clinical-Epidemiological Characterization of Confirmed Cases of Dengue in A Havana´s Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is an endemic-epidemic viral disease transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is today one of the most important health problems worldwide in terms of morbidity, mortality and economic impact 

Objective: To epidemiologically and clinically characterize patients admitted for dengue in a Havana´s hospital. 

Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from July 25 to August 31, 2022, at the "10 de Octubre" Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Havana. The study population consisted of 120 individuals admitted for likely dengue in the period, confirmed with ELISA technique for the detection of dengue-specific IgM antibodies, and who gave their consent to be included in the study.

Results: Female patients predominated (59.2%), with a mean age of 43.3 ± 16.1 years. More than half of the patients (54.2%) had no personal medical history. Hospital stay averaged 7.4 ± 3.7 days. Fever (100%) and weakness (33.3%) were the main clinical manifestations. Persistent vomiting was the most frequent warning sign (18.3%). 3.3% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. 

Conclusions: Patients in this population were characterized by a clinical picture mainly due to fever and weakness, in which presenting warning signs with evolution towards states requiring intensive care was infrequent.