Ivermectin is not effective against dengue, warns Ministry of Health

Fake news

Rumor was spread on social media without proof

Ivermectin is once again in the spotlight as a possible solution to combat diseases – this time, dengue. According to the Ministry of Health, this is a rumor spread, including on the social media profiles of some health professionals, but without data or sources to prove the information.

The medicine, an antiparasitic, was defended amid the Covid-19 pandemic as part of early treatment against the disease, however, without proven efficacy. The ministry recalls that, at the time, studies demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the medicine in combating coronavirus.

“To be clear: ivermectin is also not effective in reducing the viral load of dengue fever. The Ministry of Health does not recognize any protocol that includes medicine to treat the disease”, warned the federal government in a note. “Dissemination of fake newsespecially when it comes to an epidemiological scenario that demands attention, is extremely dangerous”,

completed.

Treatment

According to the folder, the official protocol for dengue fever requires the doctor to identify the symptoms based on a survey of the patient himself. Then, the professional may or may not request laboratory tests.

For mild cases of dengue, the recommendation is to rest for as long as the fever lasts; hydration (fluid intake); administration of paracetamol or dipyrone in case of pain or fever. The patient cannot take acetylsalicylic acid. In most cases, there is a spontaneous cure after 10 days.

“It is very important to return to the health service immediately in case of warning signs (intense and continuous abdominal pain, nausea, persistent vomiting and mucous membrane bleeding). The protocol suggests the patient’s hospitalization for appropriate clinical management,”

strengthened the ministry.

The ministry emphasizes that the recommended clinical procedures are supported by scientific bases and evidence of effectiveness that guarantee patient safety. The Ministry of Health also highlights that the medications prescribed for treatment are approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Vaccine

Around 3.2 million people should be vaccinated against dengue in Brazil throughout 2024, considering the limited capacity to manufacture doses by the Takeda laboratory, responsible for Qdenga.

The vaccine, to be made available later this month in 521 selected municipalities, will be applied in the public network to children and adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years.

Read more:

Qdenga: answer the main questions about dengue vaccination

FVS-RCP launches surveillance plan for cases of dengue, zika and chikungunya in Amazonas

Distribution of the dengue vaccine begins next week