Descriptive epidemiology of dengue transmission in Uttar Pradesh.

We report epidemiology of dengue infection as revealed through a hospital based surveillance for dengue infection over a 3 year period in Lucknow, U.P., India. In 2003-2005, children with acute febrile encephalopathy (AFE) and in 2005-2006, children with acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) were enrolled. IgM antibodies to dengue were tested by ELISA in acute serum. A total of 118/563 (20.9%) patients tested positive for dengue antibodies. Dengue transmission occurred round the year in the Lucknow region with peak in postmonsoon season and occurred equally in rural and urban areas. All the surrounding districts were affected, with no distinct high prevalence areas.