Dengue Fever in Muscat: Prevalence, Symptoms and Admission Predictors in a Tertiary Emergency Setting

Introduction: Dengue fever is an emerging public health concern in Oman. This study evaluated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients and identified predictors of hospitalisation in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year and 8 months in the emergency department of a tertiary academic hospital. Patient data were coded and statistically analysed to determine the predictors of hospital admission. Results: Among 306 patients (57.2% male; mean age 47.4 years), dengue cases peaked in May 2022 and 2023. Hospitalisation was significantly associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.91), antiplatelet use (OR 3.98), vomiting (OR 3.46), headache (OR 2.33) and bleeding (OR 3.16). Significant laboratory markers included low haemoglobin, deranged activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombocytopenia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin ( P < 0.05). Admitted patients had lower platelet counts (mean 107.4 × 10 3 /µL) than non-admitted (160.7 × 10 3 /µL; P < 0.001). Nine patients died; all others were discharged in stable condition. Conclusion: Seasonal peaks and specific clinical and laboratory indicators can help identify patients at higher risk of hospitalization for dengue, aiding timely intervention.