Dengue fever in pregnancy linked to increased risk of low birth weight and hospitalization for newborns

A recent study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics has found 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, which 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.

Dengue fever is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the world, with a significant increase in cases over recent years. In 2023, there were more than three million cases reported in the Americas alone, including Brazil which experienced its largest dengue outbreak on record 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 researchers believe that this increased risk is due to inflammation caused by the virus, which can lead to complications such as preterm labor and low birth weight. They also suggest that healthcare providers should take extra precautions when caring for pregnant women who have been infected with dengue virus to prevent negative effects on their unborn babies.