Epidemiology of dengue in Pakistan, present prevalence and guidelines for future control

摘要

Dengue is crucial vector-borne viral human disease across the tropical and subtropical region of world. Dengue is transmitted from one person to another person by biting of female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Dengue is present in every corner of the world (WHO), almost 128 countries are known to dengue outbreak, about 100 billion dengue cases are reported worldwide and more than 390 million humans with chance of infection annually. Pakistan is subtropical country and main hotspot for vector- borne diseases such as dengue haemorrhagic fever, malaria, leishmaniasis, Crimean-cango and West Nile virus diseases. Four dengue serotypes are present in Pakistan and circulating whole year with peak outbreak between (September-November) during post monsoon periods. In Pakistan dengue epidemic is a major public threat since 2005, following millions of people at risk, till 2016 almost 71649 dengue cases are reported with 757 deaths. There are several factors such as climatic change, urbanization, travel, socioeconomic activity, miscommunication and shortage of surveillance. Worst dengue outbreak occurred in Pakistan during 2011 with 21685 dengue reported cases (350 deaths). Current literature was reviewed, stressing on epidemiology, vector distribution (different region) of country, pathogenesis and future strategies for control. The paper review assesses the epidemiology of Aedes vector capacity linked dengue threats and outbreaks public health burden and losses in different geographical settings in Pakistan.