Entomological and epidemiological aspects of dengue epidemics in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, 2001-2012.

Objective: to characterize the entomological and epidemiological aspects of dengue epidemics occurred in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from 2001 to 2012.

Methods: descriptive study with data from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), Information System of Hospitalizations due to Yellow Fever and Dengue (2001-2009), National Program for Dengue Control (2010-2012), and Rapid Survey of Aedes aegypti Infestation Index, referring to the years in which the incidence of dengue was above 75%.

Results: from 2001 to 2012, 194,446 cases of suspected dengue were notified; the epidemic years were 2001, 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012; there was a progressive increase in the incidence of the disease (587.0/100 thousand inhabitants in 2001 and 1,561.1/100 inhabitants in 2012); there was co-circulation of up to three serotypes and high vector infestation, especially in water tanks.

Conclusion: after a long period of virus circulation in Fortaleza, dengue remains as an important health issue, with severe cases and high fatality rate.