Almost 70% of dengue deaths in the State in 2024 will be women. In less than three months, 60 miners lost their lives. There is no scientific evidence capable of explaining the current scenario of the epidemic. Experts point out that the data must be analyzed carefully, but they highlight points that can increase the risk of transmitting the disease among women.
Since January, Minas has recorded 93 deaths, 33 of which were men. The numbers appear in the latest epidemiological bulletin from the State Department of Health (SES-MG), dated Friday. In the case of women, statistics show that the age groups with the most deaths are those aged 30 to 39, followed by 40 to 49 and 70 to 79.
For infectologist Estevão Urbano, who was part of the Committee to Combat Covid in Belo Horizonte, the number draws attention. However, he says that there is no greater predisposition for women to die more from dengue. According to the doctor, it could just be a “possible coincidence”.
Also infectious disease specialist Carlos Starling, who alongside Estevão participated in the same committee during the pandemic in the capital, says that it is necessary to take into account that women are the majority in Minas Gerais. According to the 2022 demographic census, from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), they represent 51% (10.5 million) of the population.
However, the doctor himself says that the data is not enough to explain the higher number of deaths. According to Starling, more in-depth studies are needed, taking into account the age range of the victims and comparisons with other locations.
In any case, he cites factors that may favor greater transmission of dengue among women. Among them, the menstrual cycle. “Women in the reproductive age group experience ovulation once a month, in which they will have a slightly higher body temperature and this can attract more mosquitoes.”
Furthermore, the infectious disease specialist adds the more frequent use of skirts and shorts in high temperatures, which reinforces the need to use repellents on exposed parts of the body. “The mosquito bites, most of the time, from the waist down.”
SES-MG was also contacted to inform whether there are analyzes on the higher percentage of women among dengue victims. However, the department did not comment.
