Brazil is approaching the mark of 4 million probable cases of dengue in 2024. According to the Ministry of Health’s monitoring panel, as of this Saturday morning (27), 3,921,271 probable infections of the disease had been recorded in the country, which which raises the incidence coefficient, for every 100 thousand inhabitants, to 1931.1.
The state of Minas Gerais continues to lead the ranking of probable dengue cases in 2024. To date, 1,190,280 possible infections have been recorded. Next come the states of São Paulo, with 945,576, and Paraná, with 396,367.
In relation to deaths, the number reaches 1,888 confirmed deaths, while another 2,218 are under investigation – that is, to see if there is a relationship with dengue. This is the highest number of deaths confirmed since the beginning of the historical series in the country, in 2000, surpassing the record number of deaths recorded in the entire year 2023 (1,094 deaths).
To date, 407 municipal and 11 state emergency decrees have been published due to dengue, allowing the adoption of administrative measures to contain the disease, such as the acquisition of inputs and materials. Despite the warning scenario, the Ministry of Health began to point to a drop in cases in some capitals.
What is dengue?
Dengue is a febrile illness caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted by the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease tends to be more prevalent during the summer – when there are more periods of rain –, as stagnant water in gallons and barrels, for example, helps increase mosquito breeding sites.
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The main symptoms of dengue are fever above 38°C, pain in the body and joints, pain behind the eyes, malaise, lack of appetite, headache and red spots on the body. The disease can progress to serious forms, associated with plasma extravasation, hemorrhages or organ involvement, which can lead to death.
How to protect yourself?
- 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;
- Unclog 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 window screens in known transmission areas;
- Use repellent.
Is there treatment?
According to the Ministry of Health, treatment of the disease is mainly based on adequate fluid replacement. Therefore, according to medical advice, at home you should carry out:
- Rest;
- Fluid intake;
- Do not self-medicate and seek emergency services immediately if there is bleeding or at least one warning sign appears;
- Return for clinical reassessment in accordance with medical advice.
