Shift in Age Pattern of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Brazil
Author Information
Author(s): Teixeira Maria Gloria, Costa Maria Conceição N., Coelho Giovanini, Barreto Mauricio L.
Primary Institution: Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Hypothesis
Is there a shift in the age group predominance of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Brazil?
Conclusion
In 2007, more than half of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in Brazil were in children under 15, a significant change from previous years.
Supporting Evidence
- Brazil accounts for over 60% of reported dengue fever cases in the Americas.
- In the 2007 epidemic, 2,706 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever were reported, more than double previous years.
- Over 53% of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in 2007 were in children under 15 years old.
- Prior to 2007, the majority of cases were in adults aged 20 to 40.
Takeaway
In Brazil, more kids are getting a serious type of dengue fever than before, which is different from what usually happens.
Methodology
Data was collected from the Hospital Information System regarding dengue hemorrhagic fever cases from January 1998 through December 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of cases and differences in healthcare access may bias the findings.
Limitations
The study is based on hospital data, which may not capture all cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Participant Demographics
The study primarily involved patients diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Brazil.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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