Silent Dengue Transmission in Texas

Recent dengue infection was found on both sides of the Texas–Mexico border in 2004; most instances were not detected by passive surveillance.

Sporadic dengue infections have been reported in Texas, near the Mexico border, in recent decades. In 2004, investigators conducted a cross-sectional survey of households in two cities separated by the Rio Grande (300 households in Brownsville, Texas, and 300 in Matamoros, Mexico) to assess the seroprevalence of dengue and to determine risk factors for infection. Timing the study to coincide with the dengue transmission season, they collected blood samples from persons aged ≥15 (1 volunteer/household). Serum samples were analyzed using IgM/IgG capture ELISA and an indirect IgG ELISA. Samples positive or equivocal for recent infection were sent to the CDC dengue laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Serologic tests identified past dengue infec…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine