Study surprises with discovery about dengue during pregnancy

Recently, researchers from the University of Birmingham, England, released a study on the impacts of dengue infection on pregnant women.

Published on American Economic Journal: Applied Economicsthe study reveals worrying data about the consequences of this disease not only for pregnant women, but also for the development and health of their babies.

Dengue, a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, remains a major global threat. According to the Ministry of Health, the guideline is to seek medical attention at the first symptoms in pregnant women.

How does dengue affect pregnancy?

The study, conducted in Minas Gerais, indicates that the infection during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of newborns having low birth weight.

Researchers found that the risk of babies born with very or extremely low birth weight increases by 67% and 133%, respectively, when mothers are infected with dengue fever during pregnancy. Such conditions can impose significant challenges early in life, negatively affecting the health of babies after birth.

In addition to the immediate risks, the study suggests that a low birth weight due to dengue infection can have long-term consequences on health outcomes in adult life.

Livia Menezes, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of this profound impact.

Greater risks of hospitalizations in childhood

The study also points out that affected children are 27% more likely to be hospitalized from birth to 3 years of age.

Specifically, in the second year of life, the risk of hospitalization surprisingly increases to 76%. These are data that reinforce the urgency in the fight against dengue in endemic areas.

Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Surrey, comments on the burden on communities. “The impact is vast, including avoidable hospitalization costs, which emphasizes the need for more effective public policies and targeted awareness actions,” he explains.

As Livia Menezes points out, “as the planet warms, dengue is expected to become even more common in new regions. This is a global challenge that requires a rapid and robust response from governments and international organizations.”

O dengue treatment in pregnant women is similar to treatment in non-pregnant peoplebut there are additional considerations due to the risks involved during pregnancy.

What is the treatment for dengue in pregnant women?

• Rest and hydration: Adequate rest and hydration are key. Pregnant women should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, natural juices and coconut water, to prevent dehydration.

• Fever control: the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) is recommended to control fever, avoiding the use of medicines based on acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of bleeding.

• Medical monitoring: It is essential to be monitored by a healthcare professional throughout the course of the disease. This may include regular blood tests to monitor platelet counts and other blood parameters.

• Immediate medical assistance: If there are warning signs, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, vaginal bleeding or any other complication, the pregnant woman should seek immediate medical assistance.

It is important to note that specific treatment may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the doctor’s recommendations.

In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for closer monitoring and appropriate treatment.

Can pregnant women get the dengue vaccine?

Pregnant women should not take the dengue vaccine, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the leaflet of the vaccine in use. This is due to the fact that the vaccine contains live attenuated virus, which is not advisable during pregnancy.

Additionally, women planning to become pregnant should wait at least one month after vaccination before trying to conceive. If a pregnant woman has already received the first dose of the vaccine, she should stop vaccination for the second dose.

In case of exposure to the dengue virus during pregnancy, It is important that the pregnant woman is closely monitored by the medical team to ensure your health and that of your baby.

After all, how to prevent dengue?

Individual care:

• Use insect repellent regularly, especially in high-risk areas. For pregnant women, the product must have “icaridin” or “DEET” in the composition;
• Protect the areas of the body that are most exposed to mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Precautions to take at home to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Keep reservoirs or water tanks covered with lids, screens or covers;
• Avoid accumulation of water in containers such as tires, cans or bottles;
• Regularly clean the water tank;
• Use mosquito nets on doors and windows;
• Put sand in the dish underneath the plant pots;
• Stopped tires must have punctures, in addition to being stored in covered places;
• PET bottles, buckets and other empty containers must also be kept in covered places with the “mouth” down;
• Daily, scrub the drinking bowls with soap and water;
• Furthermore, keep the common areas of the house very dry;
• Dispose of trash properly, keeping land free of debris and vegetation;
• Another point mentioned by experts is checking the gutters, removing leaves, branches and anything that could prevent water from flowing through them;
• Keep the trash bin closed;
• Change your pet’s water frequently;
• Additionally, plugging the drains can also help;
• Finally, clean the external “trays” of the refrigerator and air conditioning.