Brazil Breaks Annual Record for Dengue Fever Deaths in Just 13 Weeks
In a shocking development, Brazil has already surpassed the annual historical record of deaths from Dengue fever in the first thirteen weeks of 2024. As of April 8, the confirmed deaths caused by the disease reached 1,116, the highest number ever recorded since the beginning of the historical series in 2000.
The impact of the disease has even reached beyond Brazil’s borders, with a confirmed case in the Ravenna area of Italy in a person who returned from Brazil. This has prompted the Emilia Romagna Region to approve a regional arbovirus surveillance and control plan for 2024 to strengthen actions against Dengue and other potentially serious viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
Professor Francesco Cristini, head of the “Infectious Diseases” Operational Unit of the “Morgagni-Pierantoni” hospital in Forlì, emphasized that while Dengue is not currently an emergency in Italy, vigilance is crucial. He explained that the mosquito responsible for transmitting Dengue in Italy is the tiger mosquito, which is already present in the country. However, the arrival of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with higher transmission power, could worsen the situation significantly.
With climate change contributing to the spread of vector-borne infections, there is concern about the potential increase in indigenous cases of Dengue in Italy. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, intense osteoarticular pain, skin rash, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and headache. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as the virus can be transmitted to the fetus or during childbirth.
To prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of bites, Professor Cristini emphasized the importance of vector control measures. This includes using repellents, keeping living and working environments dry, and eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes such as flower saucers, puddles, and containers of standing water.
As the hot season approaches, taking proactive measures to control mosquito populations is crucial to prevent the spread of Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. By staying informed and implementing preventative measures, individuals can help reduce the risk of Dengue fever and protect public health.