Epidemic situation of dengue fever in Guangdong province, China, 1990-2005.

During the period 1990 to 2005, a total of 11 844 cases of dengue fever (DF), with 3 deaths, were reported in Guangdong province. The average attack rate was 1.27/100 000 pop. The disease affected 17 out of 21 cities in the province. DF occurred throughout the year and the epidemic phase extended from July to December. DENV-1, that affected all age groups, appeared to be the predominant circulating virus, although DENV-2, -3 and -4 were also involved. Aedes albopictus was the only vector species responsible for the DF outbreaks. The results of molecular epidemiological studies showed that dengue fever epidemics in Guangdong province were initiated by imported cases from South-east Asia. Control measures comprised of insecticidal fogging and elimination of man-made breeding places of Ae. albopictus.