EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DENGUE IN CHILDREN IN A CITY IN THE WESTERN STATE OF PARANÁ IN THE PERIOD FROM 2019 TO 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is an infectious viral disease caused by arboviruses, but specifically of the Flavivirus genus, and is transmitted mainly by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is considered a global public health problem, predominantly in subtropical and tropical regions, where the hot and humid climate favors the surveillance of this vector. Dengue presents symptoms such as muscle pain, moderate to high fever, headache, red spots on the body and, in more severe cases, ends up evolving into hemorrhagic forms or dengue shock syndrome, which can result in the death of the patient. The high incidence of dengue and its capacity to generate outbreaks in several regions generates a significant impact on the health system, making in-depth study of this disease essential for the creation of strategies to control and prevent contagion, starting with the elimination of control foci. Objective: To analyze and describe the epidemiology of dengue cases in children in a city in western Paraná state. Methodology: This was a descriptive observational epidemiological study, the data for which were obtained from the database of the SUS Information Technology Department (DATASUS). Analysis of results and discussions: Data from the state of Paraná from 2019 to 2023 were analyzed. Based on the results found on dengue, it was clear that most cases of hospitalization for this disease occurred in these age groups, being 18.12% in children under 1 year of age, 28.88% in children from 1 to 4 years old, and 52.99% in children from 5 to 9 years old. The importance of vaccination for the entire population and the need for a new formulation so that it can be administered in the first years of life were also highlighted. Final considerations: The data found, together with previous studies, highlighted the importance of creating new public policies together with greater control of epidemic agents so that dengue outbreaks can be controlled and this contagion can be drastically reduced.