DENGUE FEVER IN PAKISTAN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a significant public health challenge in Pakistan and across South Asia. Transmitted primarily by the female Aedes mosquito, dengue presents with a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe, life-threatening complications such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). This comprehensive review synthesizes data from published studies conducted in Pakistan between 1988 and 2018, highlighting epidemiological trends, clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and management strategies. Analysis indicates that males (62.4%) are more frequently affected than females (37.6%), with the highest incidence observed in the 21–30-year age group. Common symptoms include high-grade fever, body aches, nausea, and headache, with severe cases showing hemorrhagic manifestations. Effective management relies on a combination of environmental, biological, and chemical interventions, alongside preventive measures such as vaccination, personal protection, and community awareness. Despite ongoing initiatives like the Punjab Health Line Project, gaps in healthcare infrastructure, physician knowledge, and rapid outbreak response remain challenges. This review underscores the urgent need for coordinated strategies encompassing vector control, clinical preparedness, and public education to mitigate the growing burden of dengue in Pakistan.