Dengue Virus Type 3 in Puerto Rico
Further to our alert of November 11, 1997, in which we indicated the first confirmation
of dengue virus type 3 in a CAREC-member country, Belize, We wish to inform you of the
following development:
The State Epidemiologist for Puerto Rico has advised CAREC of the confirmation of
dengue virus type 3 in that territory. This represents the first identification of this
specific virus type in Puerto Rico since 1977.
This virus, which is genotypically identical to strains recently recovered from
continental America, was isolated by the Dengue Branch of the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) from an 83 year old male patient whose date of onset of
illness was January 6, 1998. This gentleman had uncomplicated, classic dengue fever and
recovered fully from his illness. His symptoms included fever, arthralgia and myalgia.
It is reported that interviews with this case did not reveal any travel history off the
island and, hence, it is believed that the patient was infected in Puerto Rico. The
national health authorities in Puerto Rico are, however, continuing detailed
investigations of the case's contacts who may have traveled outside of the territory.
In light of this communication, and given the high travel that occurs between Puerto
Rico and some of our member countries, we wish to reiterate the need for heightened and
focussed surveillance in all of our member countries so as to facilitate the early
detection of dengue virus type 3.
