Dengue Fever’s Negative Impact on Newborns: Study Highlights the Need for Protection and Care for Pregnant Women and Newborns

A study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics highlights the negative impact of dengue fever on the health of newborns born to women infected with the virus during pregnancy. 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.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that has seen a significant increase in cases over recent years, with more than three million cases reported in the Americas alone in 2023. Brazil, in particular, has experienced an outbreak of dengue fever with over 3.5 million cases reported since January 2024.

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.

The study emphasizes the importance of protecting pregnant women from dengue infection and providing appropriate care for newborns born to infected mothers to prevent long-term health issues.