Open AccessDengue Virus Infections among Haitian and Expatriate Non-governmental Organization Workers — Léogane and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 2012
Author(s) -
Stephanie J. Salyer,
Esther M. Ellis,
S. Corvil,
Christophe Bron,
Stanley Juin,
Ryan R. Hemme,
Elizabeth Hunsperger,
Emily S. Jentes,
Roc Magloire,
Kay M. Tomashek,
Anne Marie Desormeaux,
Jorge L. MuñozJordán,
Lesly Etienne,
Manuela Beltrán,
Tyler M. Sharp,
Daphne B. Moffett,
Jordan W. Tappero,
Harold S. Margolis,
Mark A. Katz
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
plos neglected tropical diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.99
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1935-2735
pISSN - 1935-2727
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003269
Subject(s) - expatriate , dengue fever , dengue virus , christian ministry , medicine , port (circuit theory) , environmental health , virology , geography , political science , archaeology , law , electrical engineering , engineering
In October 2012, the Haitian Ministry of Health and the US CDC were notified of 25 recent dengue cases, confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), among non-governmental organization (NGO) workers. We conducted a serosurvey among NGO workers in Léogane and Port-au-Prince to determine the extent of and risk factors for dengue virus infection. Of the total 776 staff from targeted NGOs in Léogane and Port-au-Prince, 173 (22%; 52 expatriates and 121 Haitians) participated. Anti-dengue virus (DENV) IgM antibody was detected in 8 (15%) expatriates and 9 (7%) Haitians, and DENV non-structural protein 1 in one expatriate. Anti-DENV IgG antibody was detected in 162 (94%) participants (79% of expatriates; 100% of Haitians), and confirmed by microneutralization testing as DENV-specific in 17/34 (50%) expatriates and 42/42 (100%) Haitians. Of 254 pupae collected from 68 containers, 65% were Aedes aegypti ; 27% were Ae. albopictus . Few NGO workers reported undertaking mosquito-avoidance action. Our findings underscore the risk of dengue in expatriate workers in Haiti and Haitians themselves.