Dengue in Brazil (2014–2024): a decade of inequities, urban epidemics, and challenges in health surveillance

Dengue remains one of the main arboviral diseases circulating in Brazil, posing a public health challenge due to persistent social inequalities, failures in epidemiological surveillance, and the spread of the vector in urbanized areas. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of dengue in the country between 2014 and 2024, identifying sociodemographic patterns, geographic distribution, clinical outcomes, and informational limitations in official notification systems. This is a retrospective descriptive study based on secondary data extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), involving 5,346,568 probable cases. Variables were organized in spreadsheets and processed using statistical and geospatial analyses, with the production of graphs and thematic maps. Results showed a high concentration of cases in São Paulo (53.1%) and Minas Gerais (15.5%), predominance in women, individuals of brown or white race/color, and those with low educational levels. A significant volume of missing data was observed, especially regarding viral serotypes and hospitalizations. Although most cases progressed to clinical cure, more than 1,900 deaths directly attributed to dengue were reported. The study concludes that dengue remains a neglected disease, requiring improved surveillance, investment in health education, and public policies that address the social determinants of infection.