First Dengue Outbreak in Villa Maria del Triunfo District, Lima, Peru 2013
Villa Maria del Triunfo is a district in Southern Lima (Peru headquarter with 10 million inhabitants) whose average population density is 5,939 inhabitants per Km2, access to safe drinking water is on average 9.6 % and no sewage services in 38.45 %, with unplanned urbanization. On may 2005, Aedes aegypti was identified for the first time and eight years later first outbreak was reported within 60 741 inhabitants in the affected area and 400 000 inhabitants in the border area. Within this period, 51 imported cases were reported and limited resources for outbreak control
METHODS:
Outbreak intervention descriptive study using survillance and control data.
RESULTS:
The index case was notified on March 8, 2013 and intensified surveillance started with an active febrile community search, rapid vector detection, larval’s chemical control, adult’s chemical control, communications and social mobilization, managed through out an Operating Emergency Committee. The outbreak lasted 71 days, 602 suspected cases were reported. There was an unusual increase of suspected cases since day 18 of the outbreak whose final classification was made by an Expert Committee. 16.5% (99/602) cases were confirmed and 18.2% (18/99) hospitalized. No deaths. 48.5% were from 20-59 years old and the average age was 25 years. The 83.3% (15/18) were treated by the Ministry of Health. 12.0% (294/2491) of samples were positive. The virus isolated was DENV-1 (African/American) strain. More than 40,000 homes were operated by health promoters, health inspectors, health personnel and volunteers. Almost 500 people participated on a temporary and/or permanent way throughout the outbreak. The cost of the intervention was about $ 700,000.
CONCLUSIONS:
This is an outbreak in a large and not endemic city, which allowed generating capacities, skills and intervention strategies in health personnel, Municipal Authorities and population. The first laboratory diagnosis for dengue was established in the area.