RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON DENGUE IN FORTALEZA, STATE OF CEARA, BRAZIL

A retrospective serologic study was carried out in Fortaleza, State of Ceara, Brazil, in order to detect the dengue virus activity before re cognizing the epidemic of 1994. Mac-Elisa was performed by rising a mi xture of specific DEN-1 and DEN-2 antigens on serum samples from the E milio Ribas Laboratory collection. Samples were obtained from 1,224 pa tients with exanthematic febrile disease and negative serological resu lts for rubella. All specimens were taken during November 1993 to May 1994. The results confirmed dengue infections in Fortaleza by November 1993, approximately six months before the beginning of the epidemic, proving how misleading diagnosis of dengue infection are still trouble some, in spite of the strong dengue activity in Ceara. The authors str ess the urgent necessity to implement the active surveillance system i n order to prevent another extensive dengue fever epidemics in the sta te. Epidemiological background of the dengue activity in the State of Ceara is also described.