Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment protocol of dengue during pregnancy and the postpartum period - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

Introduction

Over the last few decades, Brazil has faced significant challenges related to infection by the dengue virus (DENV) transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions of the planet, often leading to epidemic outbreaks of varying intensity and frequency, influenced by factors such as rising temperatures, catastrophic rainfall, humidity, disorderly urbanization and lack of adequate sanitation, among other causes.^(,,) The Brazilian government has implemented several strategies over the years to control the spread of DENV, including public awareness campaigns, vector control programs, environmental management measures and more recently, the vaccine.⁽⁾ However, as a consequence of the complexity of the life cycle of the mosquito vector and poor basic sanitation in some areas, the challenges persist. The adaptive capacity of Aedes aegypti has also significantly reduced the effectiveness of control strategies such as the use of insecticides, demanding constant changes. In this scenario, the DENV infection continues to challenge public health services, presenting high rates of morbidity, and mortality and confirming that little real progress towards its control has actually been achieved.⁽⁾

Dengue data in Brazil for the period of epidemiological weeks 01-11 of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 demonstrate a significant increase in incidence in 2024, with effective anticipation of the increase in the number of cases (). The weekly variation in the number of dengue cases in the country can be accessed at https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-de-a-a-z/a/arboviroses/informe-semanal/coe-dengue-informe-01-led_.pdf.⁽⁾ Among the various interpretations on this significant increase in 2024, the response to climate change and its consequences is a priority.^(,,)

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