Background:

Dengue has become a serious problem in public health in Bolivia. Due the infection capacity of dengue virus, the diagnosis is broad and varies with the evolution of the disease. The increase of temperature and rain season are the main environmental factors of reproduction in the transmitting mosquito (Aedes aegipty), and the increase in dengue cases.

Objectives:

To carry out a retrospective crossover study of dengue cases in La Paz Department - Bolivia, during the period from January 2020 to February 2023.

Materials and Methods:

From databases obtained from INLASA Virology Laboratory during periods 2020, 2021, 2022 and the beginnings of 2023, variables such as number of positive cases from each year, distribution of positive cases according to the probable place of infection were obtained and analyzed, by department and by province; the temporal variation of the cases and the prevalent serotype by period, and finally distribution of positive cases by sex group and age group. Its make a retrospective crossover study.

Results:

During the four analyzed periods, within the total number of 2143 reported cases, there were 1184 (55.2%) of positive cases for Dengue. On the other hand, the department of La Paz (86.3%) is indicated as the probable place of infection, with Sud Yungas province (municipalities La Asunta and Palos Blancos) being the places with the most positive cases. The temporal variation in suspected and confirmed cases has presented the same behavior in three years. DENV 1 serotype predominated over DENV 2 in three years, observing an increase in DENV 2 serotype until February 2023. In addition, the age group most affected by dengue ranges from 10 to 39 years, finding no significant difference between masculine and feminine gender.

Discussions:

An increase in cases between months of February and April, coinciding with rain season in Bolivia. Due to the climate in the tropical areas of the department, there is a greater number of positive cases in those areas.

Conclusions:

This study reveals that Dengue is a public health problem not only in eastern part of the country but also in tropical areas of La Paz department. A quick and effective diagnosis is necessary; to carry out the typing of the virus and the correct filling out of epidemiological files for better virological control.

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