Brazil surpassed the mark of 500 thousand probable cases of dengue in 2024. According to a report from the Ministry of Health, until Monday (12), 512,353 possible occurrences of the disease were recorded – a number four times higher when compared to the same period in 2023 (128,842). Regarding deaths, 75 were confirmed.
The state of Minas Gerais continues to lead the number of probable cases, with around 171 thousand records.
Next come São Paulo (83,651), Distrito Federal (64,403), Paraná (55,532), Rio de Janeiro (39,315), Goiás (31,809) and Espírito Santo (14,107).
Amid this scenario, Emergency Operations Centers (COE) to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for the transmission of dengue, were installed in most states, as well as service tents.
On Thursday (8), the Ministry of Health began distributing the first batch of vaccines against the disease.
Immunization will be carried out in 521 selected municipalities, starting with children aged 10 and 11.
While the vaccine is not available to everyone, the ministry recommends the adoption of preventive measures to avoid the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Among the guidelines is the elimination of standing water in homes. See 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.
