Dengue
If you suspect dengue virus infection, please call and report to Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) at 602-506-3747 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. per reporting requirements. Depending upon the patient's travel history, other arboviral infections might be included in the differential, including chikungunya and Zika. Chikungunya and Zika often circulate in the same areas as chikungunya and are clinically indistinguishable. Please test for all three.
As of 1/13/2023, MCDPH is reporting two possible locally-acquired cases of dengue. Prior to this, all cases of dengue in Maricopa County have been travel-associated. Countries that have had locally-acquired transmission include Africa, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. For a more complete list, see list of affected areas).
Locally-Acquired
Healthcare providers should be aware that dengue may be circulating in Maricopa County and consider dengue in their differential diagnosis in those who present with acute onset of fever and at least one of the following: headache, myalgia, arthralgia, bone pain, retro-orbital pain, anorexia, vomiting, macular or maculopapular rash, and minor hemorrhagic manifestations.
Travel-Related
- Anyone with appropriate travel history (see list of affected areas) PLUS
- Acute onset of fever and at least one of the following: headache, myalgia, arthralgia, bone pain, retro-orbital pain, anorexia, vomiting, macular or maculopapular rash, and minor hemorrhagic manifestations
11.15.2022 Surveillance Alert: Possible Locally Acquired Dengue in Maricopa County
When collecting specimens for testing at either a commercial or public health laboratory, count the number of days since onset of symptoms or last known exposure to determine which tests are appropriate. Blood may be collected in serum separator tubes for the following tests:
- 0-3 days - PCR only
- 4-6 days - both PCR and IgM serology
- ≥7 days - IgM serology only
Please check with your laboratory provider for testing availability and specimen shipping recommendations. If your laboratory provider is unable to test for dengue and the patient meets screening criteria, testing at a public health laboratory can be arranged through MCDPH by calling 602-506-3747 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It is extremely important that patients with possible recent dengue exposure avoid mosquito bites during the first 7 days of illness to avoid transmission of the virus to mosquitoes locally. If Zika virus is in the differential, extend this to the first three weeks post-travel or onset date. Please educate patients and families about mosquito prevention.
The following may be used to deliver appropriate educational material to patient:
No specific antiviral therapy is available for dengue virus disease. Treatment is supportive and may include rest, fluids, and monitoring for early signs of shock and hemorrhage. NOTE: avoid use of corticosteroids or NSAIDS, excessive fluid therapy, and platelet transfusions.
Please refer to the following websites for more detailed information:
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Office of Epidemiology & Data Services
Physical Address
4041 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone 602-506-6767Fax 602-372-8935
Phone:
602-506-6767
Fax:
602-372-8935