The Epidemiological Impact of Dengue in Colombia: A Systematic Review

Dengue is the most important viral vector-borne disease in the tropics, with Colombia being one of the most affected countries. In this context, it is essential to identify and synthesize the existing evidence on the epidemiology of dengue in Colombia. A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021257985) was conducted by searching for epidemiological data in populations with suspected or confirmed dengue in Colombia from 2012 to 2020. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the LILACS, and SciELO databases, and 104 publications out of 1,234 records were selected. The dengue annual incidence rate varied through the years without a clear trend. The lowest annual incidence rate was observed in 2017 (90.7 per 100,000 population) and the highest in 2013 (476.2 per 100,000 population). The proportion of severe cases in the same period ranged between 0.89% in 2016 and 2.7% in 2012. The four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes co-circulated in the country, and DENV-2 was the predominant serotype. Fifty percent of dengue cases occurred in people under 20 years, and those between 5 and 14 years had the highest incidence rate. The mortality rate for all dengue cases ranged from 0.07% in 2020 to 0.16% in 2012 and 2015. In conclusion, dengue is a hyperendemic disease in Colombia with the circulation of four serotypes. New strategies must be implemented to prevent the contagion and impact of the disease on the population at risk.