SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Rising Incidence of Dengue and Its Impact on Hospital Resource Management: A Case Presentation

Pdf Summary

This case presentation highlights the rapid rise of dengue fever and its implications for hospital resource management in the United States. WHO data show dengue is the fastest-growing mosquito-borne viral disease worldwide, with U.S. cases and hospitalizations increasing sharply between 2014 and 2024. At the same time, hospital occupancy has risen post-COVID, creating added strain on already limited capacity.<br /><br />The case describes a 65-year-old man with multiple chronic conditions who developed fever, chills, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and neutropenia shortly after returning from India. Initial evaluations for common infectious causes were negative, including malaria, COVID-19, influenza, chest X-ray, and urinalysis. Given his travel history and clinical picture, dengue was suspected. He remained stable, was observed briefly, and discharged with outpatient follow-up. Subsequent testing confirmed dengue infection, while Zika and chikungunya were negative.<br /><br />The discussion emphasizes the growing global and regional economic burden of dengue, with substantial projected costs in endemic countries and rising case numbers in Latin America. Although not all patients require admission, dengue can progress to severe complications such as hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome, especially with reinfection. The authors stress that careful assessment of severity and appropriate inpatient versus outpatient management is essential to avoid unnecessary hospital stays and preserve healthcare resources.<br /><br />Overall, the report argues that increasing dengue incidence, combined with high hospital occupancy and rising healthcare costs, makes early recognition, risk stratification, and efficient management of dengue increasingly important.

Asset Subtitle

Nicole M. Leonick

Meta Tag

Author List Michael Gross, Nicole M. Leonick

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Dengue

Concept Fever

Concept Incidence

Concept Hospitalization

Concept Laboratory Findings

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Presenting Author Nicole M. Leonick

Track Adult

Keywords

dengue fever

hospital resource management

mosquito-borne disease

travel medicine

leukopenia

thrombocytopenia

hospital occupancy

outpatient management

dengue diagnosis

infectious disease

Dengue

Fever

Incidence

Hospitalization

Laboratory Findings