Analysis of the Economic Impact and Hospital Management of Dengue Fever in Brazil (2020-2024)

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, dengue epidemics occur throughout most of the country. Although dengue remission is almost always complete, the length of stay in the health service associated with the economic burden related to the disease is a worrying factor. Objective: To analyze expenditures on dengue infection in health services between 2020 and 2024. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study in secondary databases, whose data were obtained from TABNET, contained in the Department of Hospital Information of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), with information collected from the Mortality Information System (SIM) with data from the period 2020 to 2024. Discussion: There was a significant increase in hospital expenditures related to dengue in Brazil, especially in 2024. The Southeast Region concentrated the highest number of hospitalizations and expenditures, and the North Region the lowest. The national average length of hospital stay was 3.2 days. The significant increase in cases in 2024 indicates the need for integrated strategies to combat dengue fever. Conclusion: The year 2024 saw a peak in hospital spending related to dengue, highlighting the seasonal pattern of the disease. The Southeast Region led the highest numbers of hospitalizations, volume of spending and hospital stay, the latter together with the Northeast Region. Finally, this study highlighted the impact of socioeconomic factors on the morbidity and mortality of the disease, reflecting the need for public policies that prioritize equity in access to health.