Brazil is approaching the mark of 1 million probable cases of dengue in 2024. According to data from the Ministry of Health, as of Monday (26), 920,427 probable occurrences of the disease were recorded, increasing the incidence coefficient to 453.3 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. Regarding deaths, 184 have already been confirmed.
The state of Minas Gerais continues to lead the number of probable dengue cases, with just over 311 thousand records. Next come São Paulo (161,397), Distrito Federal (98,169), Paraná (94,361), Rio de Janeiro (71,494), Goiás (54,540) and Espírito Santo (30,729). Of the total occurrences, more than 50% are women.
Amid the scenario, six states declared an emergency situation: Acre, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Espírito Santo, Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro. Emergency Operations Centers (COE) to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever, were installed in most states, as well as service tents.
Last week, some municipalities began vaccination against the disease. Initially, the application is available for children aged 10 and 11, and should be made available to children aged 12 from March.
While the vaccine is not available to everyone, the Ministry of Health recommends the adoption of preventive measures to avoid the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Among the guidelines is the elimination of standing water in homes. See full list:
- Replace the water in the plant pot dishes with sand;
- Leave the water tank covered;
- Keep swimming pools clean;
- Remove from the environment all material that can accumulate water, such as tires and bottles;
- Unblock gutters, slabs and drains;
- Wash the edges of containers that accumulate water with soap and a brush and throw the larvae onto the earth or dry ground;
- Store buckets and bottles with the mouth facing down;
- Use of screens on windows.
Should I use repellent?
The answer is yes. According to the Ministry of Health, use is recommended, above all, in areas of known dengue transmission. The product should be applied to exposed areas of the body, such as arms, legs and feet. Repellents for use in the environment, such as tablets and electrical devices, are also recommended, as they keep mosquitoes away.
