Public Health Aspects Of Dengue Virus Infection Relevant To Australia

Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries. The disease is not endemic in Australia currently, although the mosquito vector and imported cases cause sporadic outbreaks, predominantly in Queensland. The illness dengue fever causes a spectrum of disease from asymptomatic or a minor febrile illness through to a fatal disease caused by shock from plasma leakage or haemorrhage. There is currently no specific treatment for dengue. Dengue is mainly diagnosed using serology, antigen detection and PCR. Serological diagnosis of dengue can be difficult because of cross reactions with other flaviviruses. A vaccine is available and registered in Australia, however the overall efficacy is just over 50%. Surveillance, disease recognition, outbreak control and prevention of exposure are strategies used to combat dengue in Australia.