Dengue Infection in Rondônia-Brazil: Epidemiological and Environmental Aspects during 2001-2010 Occurrence

Aims: The state of Rondônia is located in the western area of the Brazilian Amazon, and presents a strategic location for the spread of dengue virus. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology of dengue in Rondônia from 2001-2010.
Study Design: This is a descriptive work that aims to study time series of dengue epidemics from the resident population in the municipalities of the state of Rondonia (Brazil) in the period 2001-2010.
Place and Duration of Study: This study used secondary data. Data was obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) using only confirmed cases of dengue during the period from 2001-2010 in the Rondônia state (Brazil). Population statistics were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE - www.ibge.gov.br).
Methodology: The epidemiological profile of the disease was traced from the following variables: year of reporting; age; gender, education; final classification; and confirmation criterion. Rainfall and migratory pathways were compared with the disease incidence rate of the cities.
Results: 71,541 cases of dengue were reported in this period. Although Rondônia is not one of the states with the highest incidence rates of dengue in Brazil, it presents some cities with over 4,000 cases/100,000 inhabitants. We found that waterways, roads, ports, airports and borders tend to be associated with regions with the highest number of cases.
Conclusion: Cities where many people from various localities circulate require special epidemiological attention. This analysis points to the need to improve the monitoring/control of vectors, patients and possibly sick people.