Clinical observations of virologically confirmed dengue fever in the 1987 outbreak in southern Taiwan.

Fifty-nine virologically confirmed cases of dengue fever were clinically studied during the 1987 outbreak in southern Taiwan. Viral isolation and serologic studies indicated that type 1 dengue was the cause. Dengue fever has not been on the island of Taiwan for 42 years and nearly all the population under 42 years of age is susceptible. Most patients under age 42 experience primary infection while those over 42 years old experience secondary infection. The majority of 59 cases studied were females in the 21-30-year age group. Classic signs and symptoms ere fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and skin rash. Approximately 80% of the patients had leukopenia (less than 5,000/mm3) and thrombocytopenia (less than 50,000/mm3) and 90% experienced mild to moderate elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. Hemorrhagic manifestations occurred in 25.4% of patients. No patients under observation in this study developed hypotension or died.