Epidemic outbreak of Dengue virus 2 subgroup Jamaica in Bolivia

Objective,To confirm an epidemic outbreak of Dengue virus in the city of Sa nta Cruz, Bolivia, and to determine the serotype of the virus, to estimate the rate of attack and the proportion of symptomatic infections. Material a nd methods. In March 1997, a seroepidemiological survey was conducted with random sampling in a central district of the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, I nformation on recent acute illness and febrile episodes was gathered, and v enous blood samples were obtained, Levels of antidengue IgM were determined by MAC Elisa and the virus was tipified with RTPCR. Results. IgM antibodie s were detected in 6.5% of adults (CI 95% 3.4-9.6) and 5.1% of children (CI 95% 2.0-8.2). Circulating virus was identified as Dengue serotype 2, subgr oup Jamaica. Less than half of the infected children experienced a symptoma tic infection compared to almost 90% of adults. Conclusions, The estimated attack rates are compatible with a Dengue epidemic outbreak in Santa Cruz. The introduction of the serotype 2/subgroup Jamaica virus into the country increases the risk of hemorrhagic Dengue.