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.
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 DHFpatients' 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.
Authors: Luciano Pamplona de Góes Cavalcanti; Deborah Nunes de Melo Braga; Lívia Maria Alexandre da Silva; Marina Gondim Aguiar; Mariana Castiglioni; José Udevanier Silva-Junior; Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho Araújo; Renata Allana da Costa Pereira; Danielle Lima Malta; Margarida Maria de Lima Pompeu Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2015-11-23 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Paulo Sérgio Gonçalves da Costa; Geyza Machado Ribeiro; Cleber Soares Junior; Lenilton da Costa Campos Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2012-09-04 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Tun-Linn Thein; Yee-Sin Leo; Dale A Fisher; Jenny G Low; Helen M L Oh; Victor C Gan; Joshua G X Wong; David C Lye Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-11-22 Impact factor: 3.240