Clinical and epidemiological characterization of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in northeastern, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:The dengue hemorrhagic dengue (DHF) remains an important public health problem in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of DHF cases during the 2003 epidemic in Ceará. Methods: Suspected DHF cases with onset of symptoms between January and December 2003 were investigated. Results: 37,964 classic dengue cases and 291 DHF cases were reported. Among the cases discarded, 75.5% were serologically positive but did not meet the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The DHF patients' median age was 30 years (2 -88). Among the hemorrhagic manifestations, petechiae were the most (32.6%) frequent. Cases of gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, pericardial pleural effusion, hepatomegaly, hypotension and shock showed higher risk of progression to death (p <0.05). Conclusions: The introduction of a new serotype (DEnV-3) in Ceará, which encountered a susceptible population and high vector density, may have been the primary agent responsible for the magnitude of the epidemic. Timely and appropriate medical care, along with an organized care structure are essential for reducing its lethality.

Molecular and clinical epidemiological surveillance of dengue virus in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil

“…This data is in accordance with other Brazilian studies that have shown that the largest number of cases occurs in adult age groups 32 . Nevertheless, in the present study, peaks of dengue in the elderly (>64) of both sexes were observed.…”

“…Nevertheless, in the present study, peaks of dengue in the elderly (>64) of both sexes were observed. The mean age (30 years) of confirmed dengue cases in this study was lower than that found in Rio de Janeiro (32.8 years), evidencing the high number of cases in younger aged groups in our study 32 .…”

Hantavirus infection in suspected dengue cases from State of Ceará, Brazil

“…Due to these large outbreaks that occurred in the northeast of Brazil, since 1986, the State of Ceará has begun reporting dengue transmission, with three major outbreaks occurring in 1994, 2001, and 2008 4 .…”

Postmortem Diagnosis of Dengue as an Epidemiological Surveillance Tool

“…1 It was reintroduced in Brazil in the early 1980s, and at present > 60% of confirmed cases occur in the southern hemisphere, 2 including large epidemics. [3][4][5] Successive epidemics and the co-circulation of all serotypes of dengue viruses contributed to an increase in cases in younger people with unusual and severe manifestations. [6][7][8][9] However, not all cases that progress to death are diagnosed by the health services.…”