Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue and chikungunya infections over five years from 2014-2018, in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Spatio-temporal co-existence of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is very common. Both the DENV and CHIKV are carried by the same mosquito vectors and can thrive in the similar climatic and geographic conditions. Co-circulation of DENV and CHIKV is often reported in various endemic regions of India and the incidences of both the infections are increasing every year in India. Tamil Nadu is one of the most affected states in the country where both DENV and CHIKV appears to be epidemic and endemic diseases, as regular cases are reported every year and several outbreaks have occurred in Tamil Nadu in the recent past. The number of DENV and CHIKV cases is steadily increasing in several parts of the state in the last few years. Although the prevalence of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the known vector species of the arboviruses and silent circulation of the viruses in the state are the major factors, the improvement in the surveillance system and diagnostic facilities along with better reporting and wide awareness among general public and healthcare workers are the contributing factors. An accurate diagnosis and reporting, leads to appropriate patient care and generation of accurate epidemiological data. ABSTRACT