Current situation of dengue in Huila epidemiological week analysis - 01 to 10, 2013

Abstract

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by vectors most widely distributed worldwide. It is caused by a virus of the family Flaviviridae and its vector is generally the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Most cases are self-limited and current treatment focuses on symptom management. Objectives: To make a health diagnosis of dengue in Huila in the Colombian context. Likewise, to make an epidemiological characterization of dengue as variable in its behavior and compare some of its clinical features to the national context. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional design to tenth epidemiological week in 2013 was posed. Attack rate and endemic channel were estimated based on percentiles of confirmed cases for Huila during the last five years of highest case incidence. A univariate analysis was performed with measures of central tendency, ratios and averages, using register of probable cases reported by the UPGD for the first 10 epidemiological weeks of 2013. It was administered Student's t-test and Chi-square test for proportions. The information was analyzed and processed with the program Excel 2007 version. The study was classified as a non-risky investigation. Results. It was found an attack rate of 44x100.000 inhabitants in Huila, being ranked in the eighth place in the 31 departments of Colombia. Between the third and sixth week it was found an epidemic alert behavior. The incidence was higher in the urban population and among young people. Conclusions. Dengue remains as the major disease transmitted by means of vectors worldwide. In Colombia it is an endemic entity in most of the country. There was a higher incidence in urban areas and among young people. There was no evidence of an epidemic behavior, yet, it is necessary to strengthen the mechanisms to control vector and appropriate medical care to prevent the increase of new cases and provide appropriate care to people suffering from dengue.