Dengue fever, one of the most prevalent and serious mosquito-borne diseases worldwide, threatens millions of people.
Researchers found that babies born to mothers who had dengue fever during pregnancy tended to have lower birth weights.
Dr Menezes emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of dengue fever on birth outcomes.
Dr Menezes stressed the urgency of addressing dengue fever as it becomes more widespread due to climate change.
"As the planet heats, we can expect to see dengue fever become even more common in countries that have previously not had high infection rates.
If a pregnant woman has dengue, it could have a negative impact on the health of her unborn child during the early years of life, a new study has revealed.
Dengue fever, one of the most prevalent and serious mosquito-borne diseases worldwide, threatens millions of people.
Researchers of the recent study analysed data from expectant mothers in Minas Gerais, Brazil, and found that babies born to mothers who had dengue fever during pregnancy tended to have lower birth weights.
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This increased the likelihood of newborns being classified as having very or extremely low birth weight. Researchers found that babies born to mothers who had dengue fever during pregnancy tended to have lower birth weights. (Photo: Getty Images)
Dr Livia Menezes from the University of Birmingham and Dr Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner from the University of Surrey co-authored a study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics.
Dr Menezes emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of dengue fever on birth outcomes. Even mild cases during pregnancy can significantly affect a child's health at birth and potentially into adulthood.
The researchers also found that children whose mothers were infected with dengue fever whilst pregnant had a 27% increased risk of being hospitalised from birth to age three.
The highest risk of hospitalisation for these children comes in their second year of life, where there is a 76% increase. The researchers also found that children whose mothers were infected with dengue fever whilst pregnant had a 27% increased risk of being hospitalised from birth to age three. (Photo: Getty Images)
"These negative birth outcomes are not only limited to the health of individual children and mothers, but they have a much wider impact for communities where dengue fever is common," Dr Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner said.
Adding that: "We strongly suggest that dengue fever should be considered alongside the TORCH infections to manage and avoid when pregnant, which currently include Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, HIV, syphilis, chicken pox, Zika, and influenza among others."
With dengue fever's potential expansion due to climate change, action is needed to protect pregnant women and their children.
Dr Menezes stressed the urgency of addressing dengue fever as it becomes more widespread due to climate change.
"As the planet heats, we can expect to see dengue fever become even more common in countries that have previously not had high infection rates. This is a problem that needs to be taken seriously, and quickly," Dr Menezes concluded.
Published By: Daphne Clarance Published On: Apr 26, 2024
