Mild Dengue Fever During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Low Birth Weight and Hospitalization for Children in Study: Implications for Public Health

A new study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics sheds light on the negative impact of dengue virus infection during pregnancy on children’s health. Researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of Birmingham analyzed a large dataset on birth outcomes in southeastern Brazil, where dengue fever has been a significant public health concern for years.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that affects millions of people worldwide, with an increase in cases over recent years. In the Americas alone, more than three million cases were reported in 2023, including Brazil, which experienced its largest outbreak on record since January 2024 with over 3.5 million cases reported.

The study found that women who had mild dengue fever during pregnancy had a 67% and 133% higher risk of having very and extremely low birth weight babies, respectively. From birth to three years of age, these children had a 27% higher risk of hospitalization, with a 76% increased risk at two years of age.

This research highlights the importance of addressing dengue fever as a significant public health issue and emphasizes the need for effective prevention measures to protect pregnant women and their babies from its negative effects.