DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC-FEVER DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME - AN UNWELCOME ARRIVALIN TRINIDAD

This is the first report of dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome in Trinidad Dengue infection was confirmed serologically or by viral isolation in five patients, aged 15 to 53 years, who presente d with fever, thrombocytopenia and haemoconcentration. Three patients developed dengue shock syndrome, which was fatal; although there was n o haemorrhagic tendency among these patients, bleeding occurred shortl y before death in one of them. Two patients who had dengue haemorrhagi c fever survived. The co-circulation of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, a nd 4 in the Caribbean facilitates the development of dengue shock synd rome (DSS) or dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Clinicians should there fore be aware of their clinical features, laboratory diagnosis and cli nical management. Appropriate public health interventions and improved surveillance should be implemented to reduce the risk of DHF/DSS asso ciated mortality in Trinidad and Tobago.