Brazil registered, in the first three epidemiological weeks of this year, 120,874 cases of dengue, which represents an increase of 170% compared to the 44,752 cases registered in the same period last year. The country also has 12 suspected deaths from dengue in 2024 alone.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the largest number of cases is in Minas Gerais, which is responsible for 34,198 notifications of the disease. Following are São Paulo (20,773), Paraná (16,608) and Distrito Federal (15,542).
The Federal District and Minas Gerais even declared an emergency due to the increase in the number of dengue and chikungunya cases in the first weeks of the year.
In São Paulo, between January 1st and 20th, 2024, the state registered 10,728 cases of dengue. The number is already more than double that recorded in the same period last year, when 3,299 confirmed cases of the disease were recorded.
The state has also confirmed four deaths from dengue, according to the latest report from the State Department of Health (SES). Two deaths were recorded in Pindamonhangaba, one in Jacareí and another in Bebedouro, cities in the interior of São Paulo.
The Ministry of Health stated that, since last year, states and municipalities have been constantly monitoring and alerting the epidemiological scenario in Brazil, coordinating a series of actions to combat arboviruses, joining efforts and working to raise awareness about prevention measures in the entire national territory.
“In view of the increase in the number of dengue cases in Brazil, we emphasize that the time is to intensify care and join efforts to eliminate the outbreaks of Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. This is the main way to prevent the transmission of diseases. Not leaving stagnant water and being aware of places that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes at home is essential, as around 75% of outbreaks are inside Brazilian homes”, states the ministry.
The federal government also advises that the population seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms such as fever, joint pain, red spots on the skin, itching or redness in the eyes. Dengue has treatment available in the Unified Health System (SUS) throughout the country.
The Ministry of Defense placed Army soldiers at the disposal of the Ministry of Health in actions to combat dengue.
According to the Ministry of Health, 521 Brazilian municipalities were selected to start vaccination against dengue via SUS from February. The cities make up a total of 37 health regions that, according to the ministry, are considered endemic for the disease.
Source: CNN Brasil
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