Epidemiology and Serology of Dengue in Imphal Valley: An Institutional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a pandemic disease with a substantial global burden and can be fatal. Effective dengue control measures should consider the location of outbreaks, relevant demographic parameters, and the diagnostic testing techniques used. Aims: This study evaluated the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue and the diagnostic testing techniques used in Imphal Valley. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Escent Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research (NABL-accredited Diagnostic Laboratory), Imphal, Manipur. All clinically suspected dengue cases reported by government and private hospitals in Imphal were included from September 2023 to December 2025. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used for data analysis. Results: Of 3,424 samples received from clinically suspected dengue cases, 1,514 (44.22%) were positive, comprising 735 male and 779 female cases. Cases positive only for NS1 were the most frequent, indicating early infection, followed by cases positive for both NS1 and IgM. Conclusion: Imphal experienced dengue outbreaks in three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. The largest outbreak during the study period occurred in 2025, driven by a sharp increase in cases. Efforts to control mosquito breeding habitats in high-risk areas should be intensified by removing containers of stagnant water to reduce the density of Aedes mosquitoes.