ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF DENGUE DISEASE IMPACT: AN ANALYSIS FOR SÃO PAULO CONTEXT

Abstract

Dengue is an arboviral disease with a high incidence in tropical regions, exerting a substantial burden on public health and healthcare systems. In recent years, the municipality of São Paulo has experienced a progressive rise in the number of dengue cases and related hospitalizations. This study aims to examine the temporal evolution of dengue incidence, hospital admissions, and associated healthcare costs in São Paulo from 2007 to 2025. An observational, ecological, time-series design was employed, utilizing publicly available secondary data. Epidemiological indicators, hospitalization records, and cost-related data were obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). Trends in case counts, incidence rates, hospital admissions, total expenditures, and hospital service costs were systematically analyzed. The results are presented through descriptive tables and graphical representations. The findings reveal a marked increase in both the absolute number of dengue cases and incidence rates over the study period, with an epidemic peak observed in 2024. A concomitant rise in the frequency and complexity of hospitalizations was identified, resulting in a substantial escalation of hospital-related expenditures. The emergence and co-circulation of multiple dengue virus serotypes, coupled with elevated levels of immunological susceptibility within the population, contributed to the severity of recent outbreaks. Dengue continues to pose a critical public health challenge in São Paulo, with growing implications for healthcare infrastructure and the financial sustainability of the Unified Health System. The implementation of integrated vector control measures, enhanced epidemiological surveillance, and expanded vaccination coverage is imperative to curb the spread of the disease, reduce the burden of hospitalizations, and mitigate associated economic costs.