Dynamics and epidemiological characterization of the dengue outbreak in Argentina 2016: the case of the Province of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Dengue fever, widely distributed throughout the world, has reemerged in Argentina after more than 70 years of absence, with an endemic behaviour in the northern provinces of the country. During the year 2016 an epidemic spread to the Province of Buenos Aires was experienced. To characterize the outbreak of dengue fever occurred in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the period of beginning and expansion between January and May of the year 2016. The National Health Surveillance system provided weekly data, also using ArcGis for spatial localization. Knox test was used to establish spatial-temporal coordinates and the epidemiological curve was designed calculating the diffusion coefficient. The relative risk and rates confirmed the epidemiological outbreak characterized by a rapid increase in propagation, with defined conglomerates. Towards week 17 the outbreak falls having the lowest diffusion values. The information evaluated through different systems of information and analysis allowed to identify weaknesses of the same ones as well as to visualize "hot spots" of circulation of the virus in order to determine actions aimed at concentrating the efforts of control of potential breeding grounds for immature mosquitoes in winter times.