Combating dengue has been an ongoing challenge in Latin America, with Brazil facing alarming numbers. Recently, the country surpassed the 2.5 million cases mark, a statistic that reflects not only the magnitude of the problem, but also the urgency of effective actions to contain it.
To date, Brazil has recorded a total of 2,573,293 cases of dengue this year, accompanied by 923 deaths resulting from the disease. These numbers highlight a worrying reality and the possibility that this year will surpass the previous one in terms of number of deaths, considering that 2022 ended with 1,016 confirmed deaths.
Which Regions Are Being Most Affected?
Despite the alarming numbers, there are signs of hope. Some regions of Brazil, including most of the North, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and almost all of the Center-West (with the exception of Mato Grosso do Sul), are beginning to show a slowdown in the number of new dengue cases. According to Ethel Maciel, Secretary of Health and Environmental Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, these areas have reached their peak and are now in a phase of decline.
Actions by the Ministry of Health to Combat Dengue
In response to the growing epidemic, Brazil’s Ministry of Health has taken significant measures, including announcing the distribution of dengue vaccines to 154 municipalities recently added to the priority list. This initiative represents a crucial step in trying to mitigate the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable populations.
Dengue threat in Latin America
The fight against dengue is not restricted to Brazil; It is a challenge shared by several Latin American nations. Recently, Puerto Rico declared a state of public health emergency in response to the disease. Furthermore, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a warning indicating that the current dengue outbreak in the Americas could become the worst on record. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay are at the top of the continent’s ranking in terms of number of cases.
The constant increase in the number of dengue cases highlights the need for coordinated actions not only at national but also international levels. Effective prevention and control strategies are essential to combat the spread of dengue and protect populations at risk. Collaboration between countries and international organizations may be the way to overcome this disease that affects so many in tropical and subtropical environments.
