A retrospective serologic study was carried out in Fortaleza, State of
Ceara, Brazil, in order to detect the dengue virus activity before
recognizing the epidemic of 1994. Mac-Elisa was performed by using a
mixture of specific DEN-1 and DEN-2 antigens on serum samples from the
Emilio Ribas Laboratory collection. Samples were obtained from 1,224
patients with exanthematic febrile disease and negative serological results
for rubella. All specimens were taken during November 1993 to May 1994. The
results confirmed dengue infections in Fortaleza by November 1993,
approximately six months before the beginning of the epidemic, proving how
misleading diagnosis of dengue infection are still troublesome, in spite of
the strong dengue activity in Ceara. The authors stress the urgent
necessity to implement the active surveillance system in order to prevent
another extensive dengue fever epidemics in the state. Epidemiological
background of the dengue activity in the State of Ceara is also
described.
