Epidemiological and Economic Burden of Dengue in Mexico: Data Analysis from 2010 to 2020

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease worldwide. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and economic burden of dengue in Mexico by identifying comorbidities and conditions associated with clinical outcomes. A retrospective analysis of dengue epidemiological data in Mexico from 2010 to 2020 was conducted using surveillance system databases (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica and Sistema Único de Información para la Vigilancia Epidemiológica). Data on probable, laboratory-confirmed, outpatient, and hospitalized cases as well as deaths were collected along with comorbidities and pregnancy status; a survey was conducted to gather information on health care resources utilization. Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica recorded 1,620,872 cases, among which there were 336,991 laboratory-confirmed cases, 110,437 hospitalizations, and 1,385 deaths. The hospitalization fatality rate increased from 0.72% to 2.6%. Age distribution of severe dengue shifted from predominantly affecting individuals 10-24 years old (2010-2016) to those 0-19 years old (2017-2020). These findings highlight the need for age-specific health care interventions. Comorbidities, such as diabetes, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, kidney disease, and hematological disorders, and pregnancy were significantly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. Additionally, peptic ulcer was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. The estimated annual medical cost during outbreak was U.S. $111,851,376 (2019, 211.0 [case] incidence) in contrast to pre-/postoutbreak, with total costs of U.S. $23,713,589 (2018, 62.4 [case] incidence) and U.S. $39,780,809 (2020, 94.1 [case] incidence), respectively. The robustness of collected data contributes to more comprehensive understanding of the public health implications of dengue, particularly during outbreaks.