Hospitalizations by Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Brazil: An Analysis of the Last Five Years

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) represents the most severe manifestation of dengue virus infection, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and requires immediate hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and describe the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to dengue hemorrhagic fever in Brazil between 2020 and 2024. METHODOLOGY: This is an epidemiological, descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study of DHF hospitalizations in Brazil from January 2020 to December 2024. Data were extracted from the SIH/SUS system via the DATASUS platform. The variables analyzed included geographic region/state, year of processing, age group, sex, race/skin color, type of care, and total hospitalization cost. Data were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and charts using Microsoft Word. RESULTS: From 2020 to 2024, a total of 18,827 DHF hospitalizations were recorded in Brazil. The Southeast region reported the highest number of cases (37.35%), while the North had the lowest (6.88%). The year 2021 had the lowest number of hospitalizations and expenditures (6.50%; R$ 809,337.47), while 2024 recorded the highest in both categories (52.92%; R$ 9,663,602.40). The most affected age group was 20–29 years (15.8%), with a predominance of females (53.69%) and individuals of mixed race (57.04%). Most admissions were classified as emergencies (96.17%). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight a rise in DHF-related hospitalizations in Brazil. The epidemiological profile shows higher incidence among mixed-race women aged 20 to 29 years living in the Southeast region. These results underscore the need for preventive measures and early identification of warning signs by both healthcare professionals and the general population.