Remember the Ministry of Health’s guidelines on combating dengue – Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health monitors the epidemiological scenario of dengue throughout Brazil. And the current moment reflects a downward trend in cases of the disease: 11 states show a reduction in cases; 10 are in a stable situation; and 6 record an increase in dengue occurrences (PA, TO, MT, MA, CE and SE). As of April 24, Brazil recorded 1,792 deaths due to dengue in 2024.

In the assessment of the Health and Environmental Surveillance Secretariat (SVSA), despite a significant decrease in cases, the scenario is still worrying and is not the time for carelessness.

In this way, the ministry reinforces guidance on the disease to the population. From how the diagnosis is made, the difference to Covid-19 (which presents some similar symptoms), to the essential measures to eliminate the transmitting mosquito – the Aedes aegypti.

Check out the main precautionary measures below:

How to protect yourself from the disease?

To prevent dengue fever, eliminating mosquito outbreaks remains the most effective measure. Transmitter larvae develop in still water. Therefore, society needs to commit to eliminating breeding sites with simple measures that can be implemented on a routine basis, such as covering water tanks and other reservoirs, sanitizing pet water bowls, covering drains and sinks, among others.

The Ministry of Health suggests that the population inspect their homes at least once a week to find possible sources of larvae. Furthermore, it is necessary to welcome health workers and agents fighting endemic diseases. Finally, the use of repellents and the installation of screens on doors and windows is recommended as an additional control measure, especially in regions with the highest number of cases.

Access more information about the ‘Brazil United against Dengue’ campaign

Don’t self-medicate

Self-medication can lead to serious reactions, such as bleeding and even death. The ideal is to seek a health unit as soon as the first symptoms appear, including fever.

Many patients end up self-medicating at home to alleviate their discomfort, without knowing that some medications commonly used without a prescription to treat a simple cold can pose a great risk if the individual is infected.

Anti-inflammatories such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, nimesulide, diclofenac, and corticosteroids should be avoided. Anti-inflammatories, especially acetylsalicylic acid, increase the risk of bleeding and decrease the blood’s ability to clot. Once consumed, these medications can greatly worsen the disease situation.

Dengue x covid-19

Fever, headache, body aches and muscle fatigue. These are symptoms commonly reported by those who contract dengue or covid-19, so it seems difficult to differentiate the two diseases. But the evolution of signs and symptoms can give a clue to the diagnosis. The ministry reinforces that, with the appearance of any symptom, it is essential to seek medical attention.

Both diseases are caused by viruses, but transmission occurs differently: dengue is transmitted through mosquito bites. Aedes aegypti. Covid-19 is transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Severe dengue

Severe dengue occurs when, three to seven days after the onset of symptoms, the patient presents signs of alarm and severity (bleeding to shock), worsening the general clinical condition. When the patient progresses to severe symptoms, there is a high risk of death.

In classic dengue fever, in general, the recommendation is to rest for as long as the fever lasts; fluid intake; administration of paracetamol or dipyrone in case of pain or fever. In most cases, there is a spontaneous cure after ten days. In the case of the severe form, the ministry’s protocol is to hospitalize the patient for appropriate clinical management as described in the material ‘Dengue – Diagnosis and Clinical Management – Adult and Child’.

Vaccination

Vaccination against the disease began in the Unified Health System (SUS) in February. Brazil was the first country in the world to offer the dengue vaccine in the public health system. The Ministry of Health purchased all vaccines made available by the manufacturer. However, the number of doses is limited to the company’s operational and logistical capacity. Therefore, the department agreed, together with Conass and Conasems (bodies representing health departments of states and municipalities), criteria for defining the municipalities that are receiving the doses, following the recommendations of the Technical Advisory Chamber on Immunization (CTAI ) and the WHO.

The vaccines are initially being destined for health regions with large municipalities with high transmission in the last 10 years and a resident population equal to or greater than 100 thousand inhabitants, also taking into account high rates in recent months.

The dengue vaccination schedule consists of two doses with an interval of three months between them.

Access the list of all municipalities (by state) that are vaccinating against the disease

Rafael Secunho
Ministry of Health