Which factor is essential for diagnosing a probable dengue case?

Diagnosing a probable dengue case relies heavily on laboratory tests showing signs of infection. This is because dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, can present with a range of symptoms that overlap with other illnesses. Laboratory tests, such as serology to detect antibodies or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect viral RNA, provide definitive evidence of infection and help differentiate dengue from other febrile illnesses.

While a patient’s travel history is also an important piece of information in the assessment process, it does not alone confirm infection, especially if laboratory results are lacking. Similarly, neurological symptoms or a reduction in fever do not provide sufficient evidence for a diagnosis without accompanying laboratory data. Thus, reliance on laboratory tests is crucial for an accurate and reliable diagnosis of dengue.