Entomological and epidemiological aspects of dengue epidemics in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, 2001-2012.

OBJECTIVE

to characterize the entomological and epidemiological aspects of dengue epidemics occurred in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from 2001 to 2012.

METHODS

descriptive study with data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), Information System of Hospitalizations due to Yellow Fever and Dengue (2001-2009), National Program for Dengue Control (2010-2012), and Rapid Survey of Aedes aegypti Infestation Index, referring to the years in which the incidence of dengue was above 75%.

RESULTS

from 2001 to 2012, 194,446 cases of suspected dengue were notified; the epidemic years were 2001, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012; there was a progressive increase in the incidence of the disease (587.0/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001 and 1,561.1/100 inhabitants in 2012); there was co-circulation of up to three serotypes and high vector infestation, especially in water tanks.

CONCLUSION

after a long period of virus circulation in Fortaleza, dengue remains as an important health issue, with severe cases and high fatality rate.