Demographic and Epidemiological Profile of Dengue Cases in a Municipality from Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue epidemics impose a significant burden on health services, in addition to the economic loss caused by temporary leaves from work or deaths, which interferes in the economic performance of countries.

Objective: To analyze the demographic, social and epidemiological profile of dengue cases in the population of Contagem-MG; and to evaluate climatic factors in order to provide tools for planning public health strategies.

Methods: An ecological study was conducted from a time series between 2013 and 2017 in Contagem-MG municipality from Brazil.

Results: The most affected groups were women, adults, mestizos, people with few years of schooling, and those living in peripheral regions. More than 99% of the people suffered from dengue without warning signs. Rain does not seem to be a determinant factor in the increase on the number of cases, since it rained every year.

Conclusions: To better fight against dengue seasonal epidemics, the strategic planning approach is suggested, with the selection and definition of methodologies for planning an intersectoral strategy to solve recurrent events. This could increase the efficiency of public policies and, therefore, the possibility of successful public management in the reduction of inequities.