Dengue, 2013

Dengue fever is one of the most frequently occurring mosquito-borne diseases worldwide, with an estimated 50-100 million cases (including approximately 500,000 cases of severe dengue) each year. About 2.5% of those with severe dengue (also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever) die. Four serotypes of dengue virus are transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The risk is widespread in tropical or subtropical regions around the world, especially where water-holding containers (e.g., waste tires, buckets, or cans) provide abundant mosquito breeding habitat.

In 2013, 22 cases (0.4 per 100,000 population) of dengue were reported in Minnesota residents, including 2 cases of severe dengue. This represents the highest yearly case total to date, surpassing the previous record of 20 cases in 2008. In 2013, the median case age was 42 years (range, 10 to 66 years). Seventeen cases resided within the metropolitan area. Onset of symptoms occurred from January through November. All of the cases represented imported infections acquired abroad. Cases had traveled to Latin America (9), Asia (8), the Caribbean (3), South America (1), or Africa (1).

• For up to date information see>> Reporting Dengue Virus Infection
  
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013