Abstract

Dengue Fever holds immense importance as a critical public health concern, both in Pakistan and globally, necessitating thorough investigation and innovative approaches for its management and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Dengue Fever among patients visiting Dogra Hospital in District Khyber, Pakistan. A total of 108 patients were included in the study, comprising 69 (63.88%) males and 39 (36.11%) females. The study population was categorized into four distinct age groups: 1 to 20 years, 21 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years, and above 60 years. Notably, the highest incidence of Dengue patients was found in the 21-40 age group. Gender-based differences in clinical manifestations were observed, with fever, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and headache being more prevalent in males, while no patients exhibited bleeding symptoms. Furthermore, serological tests were conducted to gauge the prevalence of Dengue-specific markers. Results indicated that 67.5% of patients tested positive for NS1 Antigen, 4.6% for Dengue IgM antibodies, and 1.8% for Dengue IgG antibodies. Age-stratified analysis revealed a higher NS1 antigen positivity rate among patients aged 1-20 years and 41-60 years, whereas IgM antibodies were more prevalent within the 1-20 years age group. Interestingly, Dengue IgG antibodies were notably prominent among individuals in the 20-39 age group. In light of these findings, it is imperative to acknowledge that Dengue Fever continues to be a significant health concern in the Khyber region of Pakistan. To complement these insights, it is worth mentioning that ongoing research and medical advancements have led to the development of new and promising treatment modalities for Dengue Virus. These innovative approaches include antiviral medications, supportive care, and vaccine developments. As the understanding of Dengue management evolves, the incorporation of these emerging remedies holds promise in mitigating the impact of this disease on affected populations.

Keywords: Dengue Fever, prevalence, serological tests, clinical manifestations, age distribution, Pakistan