Epidemiology and seasonal patterns of hospitalized dengue cases in Muscat Governorate, Oman (2022–2023): A retrospective study

by Ibtisam Khalifa Al-Maskari, Sanjay Jaju, Zainab M. Al-Zadjali, Amal Malehi, Asiya Al Hasni, Khaleefathullah A.

Sheriff, Hilal Al Sidairi, Adil Said Al Wahaibi This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and seasonal characteristics of hospitalized dengue fever (DF) cases in Muscat Governorate, Oman (2022–2023) and identifies factors associated with wet-season dengue occurrence. A retrospective analytical study was conducted using national dengue surveillance data of 345 laboratory-confirmed DF patients admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) and the Royal Hospital (RH).

Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with wet-season dengue cases. The results showed that of 345 patients, 54.8% were male, and 94.5% were Omani nationals.

Most admissions occurred at RH (56.8%) and during the dry season (58.3%). Adults aged 41–60 years comprised the largest age group (44.6%).

A distinct seasonal pattern was observed, with peaks in April-May of both years. Seeb Wilayat accounted for 69.3% of cases, followed by Bawshar (26.1%) (p = 0.027).

Clinically, 84.6% had dengue with warning signs, while 15.4% developed severe dengue.