Dengue is an arboviral disease of major national relevance, whose socio-environmental conditions favor the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti vector. Older adults are an especially vulnerable group due to the higher prevalence of comorbidities, resulting in elevated risk of severe disease and dengue-related deaths. This study analyzed trends in dengue cases, deaths, and case fatality rates among older adults from 2020 to 2024. Ecological, descriptive, time-trend study using secondary data obtained from DATASUS (SINAN and SIM). Confirmed dengue cases, deaths, and case fatality rate among older adults between 2020 and 2024 were analyzed, stratified by age group (60–69, 70–79, and 80+). In 2020, 456 dengue virus infection cases were identified in Fortaleza’s older adult population. The 60–64 age group (n=203) was the most affected, with 23 deaths. In 2021, 757 cases were recorded, again predominating in the same age group (n=321), with a 169% increase in deaths and the highest case fatality of the period (8.2%). In 2022, the peak number of cases was observed (n=1,509), with a drop in case fatality to 2.71%, the lowest in the period. In 2023, cases decreased by 75.1% (n=376), with predominance of the 70–79 group (n=121) and an increase in case fatality to 3.46%. In 2024, cases declined again (n=158), making it the year with the fewest deaths (n=7) and a case fatality rate of 4.43%. The 60–69 age group accounted for most deaths over the years, especially in 2021 (n=35). Adults aged 80+ had the highest case fatality rates, reaching 15.1% in 2021. The study showed a dynamic pattern with relevant variations. The incidence peak occurred in 2022, while 2021 had the highest case fatality, possibly associated with healthcare system overload during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 60–69 age group concentrated most cases and deaths, but those aged 80+ had higher case fatality rates, reinforcing the relationship between advanced age and vulnerability to infections. Despite the marked decline in cases in 2023 and 2024, the increased case fatality in 2023 suggests the need for constant surveillance and targeted strategies for this population.
Salles et al. (Sun,) studied this question.