Brazil records more than 1 million cases of dengue in 2024 – 03/01/2024 – Health

The government’s monitoring panel shows that Brazil has already recorded more than 1 million cases of dengue and 214 confirmed deaths from the disease in 2024. In the same period last year, the country had 207 thousand cases. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health’s Arbovirus Panel reports that another 687 deaths are being investigated.

The incidence rate of 501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants shows that the situation is considered epidemic, according to WHO (World Health Organization) criteria.

According to the Ministry of Health, dengue and mosquito control Aedes aegypti are among the biggest public health challenges in Brazil and the world.

In this epidemic scenario, the organization will hold a day of national mobilization on Saturday (2) to reinforce actions to combat the dengue mosquito vector. According to the folder, 75% of the outbreaks of Aedes are in homes.

“This is a moment of attention not only from the health authorities, the Ministry of Health, but also from society as a whole”, said the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade.

In the state of São Paulo, the initiative will be brought forward to this Friday (1st) to include guidance activities in public schools. Classroom debates will be held on preventive measures and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.

Also according to the ministry, the increase in cases during this period was not expected. Historical trends indicate that epidemics peak between March and April. Climate change, especially during the rainy season, and the change in circulating dengue serotypes are some of the factors behind the increase between January and February.

Immunity for dengue is specific, that is, the circulation of different serotypes increases the risk of spreading the disease because it reaches part of the population without immunity.