INTRODUCTION:
Dengue is an acute, systemic, and dynamic febrile illness that can progress to severe forms and even lead to death. Almost all dengue deaths are preventable; therefore, they require close monitoring and follow-up by all three levels of government.

METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). All dengue cases reported between 2015 and 2024 in the municipalities of Minas Gerais that resulted in death were selected. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS:
A total of 2,091 deaths were recorded during the period, with the majority (73.2%) confirmed by laboratory criteria. The average age was 62.7 years (SD = 22.8), with a median of 67 years, and 52.8% of deaths occurred in females. The most prevalent pre-existing condition was hypertension (46.0%). Among the clinical signs, the most frequent were fever (73.1%), headache, and myalgia (68.1%). The average length of hospital stay was 10.7 days (SD = 52.4), and the average interval between symptom onset and hospitalization was 7 days (SD = 97.9). For warning signs, the average interval between the first symptoms and their onset was 6.4 days (SD = 34.6), and for signs of severity, 8 days (SD = 37.2). The most prevalent warning sign was a sudden drop in platelets (61.8%). Most cases occurred in individuals with comorbidities and clinical signs compatible with severe forms of the disease. These findings contribute to the epidemiological characterization of fatal cases and reinforce the need for surveillance strategies and clinical care. It is important to pay close attention from the onset of symptoms, with daily clinical monitoring - especially during the critical period - and timely referral for hospitalization in the face of warning signs for individuals with comorbidities.