The impact of dengue on Brazil’s economy could reach BRL 4.4 billion (USD 889 million) in productivity losses in 2024, according to an estimate released last week by the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais (Fiemg).
The estimate is based on the assumption that Brazil will reach a record 4.2 million dengue fever cases by the end of the year and that workers will take an average of seven days of sick leave.
The figure also takes into account that 42 percent of those infected will be currently active workers.
On Monday, Health Ministry data showed that Brazil had more than 1 million likely dengue cases, a record for this time of year, and 258 confirmed deaths, with 651 more under investigation.
Eight of Brazil’s 27 states and several cities have declared public health emergencies due to the worrying rise in dengue. Such declarations allow local administrations to expedite the procurement of materials and personnel.
Fiemg’s study was presented in slide form, not in a scientific journal.
The presentation also estimated a total economic impact of BRL 20.3 billion (USD 4.1 billion) from the three major arboviruses combined — dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This includes BRL 15.1 billion in productivity losses and BRL 5.2 billion in treatment costs, for a total impact of about 0.2 percent of Brazil’s GDP.
More labor-intensive sectors of the economy, such as services, will be the most affected.
Correction: A previous version of this story mistakenly said seven states had declared a dengue emergency, instead of eight.
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