Public Health action
Notifiable disease data and reports
Case definition
Only confirmed cases should be notified.
Confirmed case
A confirmed case requires laboratory definitive evidence AND clinical evidence.
Laboratory definitive evidence
1. Isolation of dengue virus
OR
2. Detection of dengue virus by nucleic acid testing
OR
3. IgG seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody level or a fourfold or greater rise in titre to dengue virus, proven by neutralisation or another specific test
OR
4. Detection of dengue virus-specific IgM in cerebrospinal fluid, in the absence of IgM to Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin, or Japanese encephalitis viruses
OR
5. Detection of dengue virus-specific IgM in serum, except in North Queensland. In North Queensland, dengue virus-specific IgM in serum is acceptable evidence ONLY when this occurs during a proven outbreak.
Confirmation of laboratory result by a second arbovirus reference laboratory is required if the case occurs in previously unaffected areas of Australia. Currently North Queensland is the only area with the potential for indigenous (epidemic) dengue virus in Australia
Clinical evidence
A clinically compatible illness (eg fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, nausea, and vomiting, with a possible progression to dengue haemorrhagic fever, dengue shock syndrome or meningoencephalitis).
