EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND COST ANALYSIS OF DENGUE CASES IN CHILDREN AGED 0 TO 14 YEARS FROM 2019 TO 2023 IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Dengue is a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with a high incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. Caused by the serotypes Den 1, Den 2, Den 3, and Den 4, it affects millions of people annually and is particularly concerning in children. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito, and symptoms range from mild forms to severe cases with a risk of death. Between 2019 and 2023, the state of Paraná recorded 107,765 cases in children aged 0 to 14, with higher incidence among older age groups, predominantly in boys and white children, reflecting the demographic composition of the state. The highest prevalence occurred in the North and West macro-regions of Paraná. The study also showed that 2,746 hospitalizations occurred during this period, with a total of 17 deaths, with mortality being higher among boys and in the 5 to 9-year-old age group. The total hospitalization costs for these children amounted to R$ 900,203.88, with most of the expenses concentrated in the 10 to 14-year-old age group. The study highlights the urgent need for more effective public policies, including the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, improvements in sanitation, and vaccination as strategies to reduce the impact of dengue on public health and healthcare costs.