A prevalência da dengue em um município do Sul de Minas Gerais sob a lente do racismo ambiental: perspectivas e desafios

Abstract

This research examines the prevalence of dengue fever in a municipality in southern Minas Gerais, analyzing territorial and social factors through the lens of environmental racism. The study is situated within the context of the Anthropocene, an era defined by the significant impact of human activities on the planet which intensifies and normalizes historical structural inequalities. In Brazil, dengue has emerged as a recurring public health crisis, currently exacerbated by climate change and the unequal distribution of risks driven by structural and environmental racism. A qualitative methodology was adopted, employing an interpretive approach and constructivist epistemology. Data collection strategies included documentary research, semi-structured interviews with residents of the most affected neighborhood, and nonsystematic field observations. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis, identifying recurring categories and themes within the participants' narratives. The discussion highlights that dengue prevalence is intrinsically linked to territorial inequalities and environmental racism, manifesting through the disparate provision of public services and differential exposure to risk. This research proposes integrated actions for prevention, communication, and social participation, emphasizing the need for public policies sensitive to local specificities. Results reveal that the neighborhood with the highest percentage of dengue cases in 2024 is a peripheral area classified as a Special Zone of Social Interest (ZEIS). Interviews demonstrate that the impacts of dengue extend beyond physical symptoms, affecting the routines, labor, income, and psychological well-being of residents, particularly women. Participants' perceptions point to risk factors such as vacant lots, waste accumulation, and a lack of adequate disposal infrastructure, alongside a tendency to normalize the disease and shift responsibility onto others rather than collective or governmental action. It is concluded that analyzing dengue through environmental racism provides theoretical and practical relevance for deconstructing the social determinants of the disease, highlighting the urgency of interventions tailored to specific territorial contexts. Finally, the study reinforces the importance of disaggregated data, community engagement, and intersectoral municipal management to effectively tackle dengue and other pathologies.