Prevalence of dengue cases in Brazil in the period 2015-2020

The objective was to verify the prevalence of dengue cases in Brazil, from 2015 to 2020. Documentary, population-based, descriptive research with a quantitative approach. Data available from the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) was used. From 2015 to 2020, more than 6.2 million probable cases of dengue were reported in Brazil, unevenly distributed, demonstrating the unpredictability of the prevalence of the disease. In 2020, there was a decrease in the number of reports, a period that intensified actions to combat COVID-19, suggesting underreporting. The highest incidence of dengue in the studied period occurred in the Southeast region and the lowest in the North and South regions, respectively. There was a higher frequency of reports of probable cases among females, brown and white races/colors and in the age group from 20 to 39 years. Deaths occurred more frequently in males, white race/color and in individuals over 60 years of age. The study highlighted the importance of knowing and analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of dengue, given its high incidence, unpredictability and consequences.