[Imported dengue: an emerging arbovirosis in Spain]

Abstract

Dengue is caused by one of 4 serotypes of dengue virus. Only imported cases have been reported in Spain. The main clinical findings are fever and exanthema, although there may be severe forms, particularly in secondary infections. Five children with a primary, non severe dengue infection are presented. The diagnosis was based on clinical suspicion and epidemiological history, and confirmed by immunochromatography and ELISA tests. The outcome was favourable in all cases. It is important to consider this diagnosis in international travellers that present with fever within the 14 days of returning from an endemic area, in order to get an early diagnosis, adequate treatment and a good prognosis.

Keywords: Aedes spp.; Arbovirus; Dengue importado; Dengue severo; ELISA; Endemic area; Familia Flaviviridae; Fiebre hemorrágica por dengue; Flaviviridae family; Haemorrhagic dengue fever; Imported dengue; International traveller; Severe dengue; Test ELISA; Viajero internacional; Área endémica.