Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that has been on the rise in recent years, with more than three million cases reported in the Americas alone in 2023. Brazil, in particular, has experienced one of the largest dengue outbreaks on record since January 2024, with over 3.5 million cases reported.
A study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics reveals that children born to women infected with the dengue virus during pregnancy are more likely to be born at a very or extremely low birth weight. This can negatively impact their health for at least the first three years of life. Researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of Birmingham analyzed a large dataset on dengue-infected pregnant women and birth outcomes in southeastern Brazil.
The study found that newborns of women who had even mild dengue fever during pregnancy had a 67% and 133% higher risk of being classified as very and extremely low birth weight, respectively. From birth to 3 years of age, these children had a 27% higher risk of hospitalization, with a 76% increased risk at 2 years of age.
Overall, this research highlights the importance of protecting pregnant women from dengue infection and ensuring they receive appropriate medical care if they do become infected during pregnancy. It also underscores the need for continued research to better understand the long-term health impacts of dengue infection on infants and young children.