SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF DENGUE AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN SANTA CATARINA (2021–2025): SUPPORT FOR HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIONS IN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The year 2024 marked the largest dengue epidemic ever recorded in the country, with significant impact in Santa Catarina. Objective: To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of probable dengue cases among children and adolescents residing in Santa Catarina from 2021 to 2025. Method: A descriptive, quantitative, retrospective study using secondary data aggregated by municipality, obtained from CIEGES-SC and covering the school-age population (5–19 years), and population data from the IBGE (2022 Census). Incidence was calculated relative to the total number of cases in the state, stratified by age group and health macro-region. Results: A total of 109,918 (19.0%) cases were recorded in the 5–19 age group. The year 2024 saw the highest number of notifications, with a state incidence rate of 4,396.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The 5–9 (24.7%) and 15–17 (24.0%) age groups were the most affected. The Planalto Norte and Nordeste and Vale do Itajaí health macro-regions accounted for 35.3% and 34.3% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion: Dengue affected children and adolescents in Santa Catarina heterogeneously, with a temporal concentration in 2024 and a geographic concentration in specific macro-regions; this underscores the need for health education strategies targeted at the school environment.