EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO DENGUE IN THE CITY OF CASCAVEL, PR FROM 2014-2024

Abstract

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which has four serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). The study analyzed data from 2014 to 2024, focusing on hospitalizations and deaths due to dengue in Cascavel-PR. A total of 60,429 cases were reported, with the highest incidence of classic dengue (90.59%). The seasonality of hospitalizations was evident, with peaks between January and May. Men had a higher lethality rate (24.26 deaths/1,000 hospitalizations) compared to women (18 deaths/1,000 hospitalizations), reflecting sociocultural factors. The most affected age group was 20-39 years (30.93%), but the lethality rate was higher in the elderly aged 70 and over. Among the registered serotypes, DEN 1 was the most prevalent among the confirmed cases. The symptoms of classic dengue include high fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, maculopapular rash, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Hemorrhagic dengue, a more severe form of the disease, can progress to hemorrhagic conditions and shock, and is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, hemorrhagic manifestations, decreased platelet count, and increased hematocrit. The study highlights the need for public health strategies targeting high-risk groups and educational campaigns to improve early medical care, especially among men and the elderly.