Rosario, Argentina Reports First Locally Acquired Dengue Cases, Sparking Containment Efforts
Rosario, Argentina – December 1, 2024 – Officials in Rosario have confirmed the city’s first two cases of dengue fever contracted locally, raising concerns about the potential spread of the mosquito-borne illness.
The unsettling discovery comes as health authorities are implementing comprehensive containment measures to prevent a wider outbreak.
“In principle, these are the first two native cases, this means that the virus is already circulating in the city,” confirmed Soledad Rodríguez, Rosario’s Secretary of Health, in a statement to De 12 a 14. " “This is concerning because it suggests that mosquitoes carrying the virus are now present in our community."
The two patients, a 24-year-old woman and an 83-year-old adult, reside in different parts of the city. Neither had traveled to areas already experiencing dengue outbreaks, nor had they received the dengue vaccine. The younger woman required hospitalization in Carrasco due to abdominal pain and vomiting, while the older adult did not require hospitalization.
"One [patient] is from the north-west and the other from the south-west. In neighborhoods where we didn’t have high frequency last year," Rodríguez noted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of dengue transmission.
Rosario’s health authorities have reacted swiftly by implementing a strict containment protocol centered around the patients’ homes.
"We do it from the person’s home to 9 blocks around where prevention, awareness, and waste disposal activities are carried out," explained Ignacio Mangiameli, General Director of Interregional Policies. "Our teams are going door-to-door, checking for any potential signs of illness, and educating residents on how to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes."
Furthermore, health officials are actively investigating potential cases of fever in the affected neighborhoods. "Yesterday two cases of fever were found in one of the districts," Mangiameli revealed. "One already had a request for analysis and it was found that he did not have dengue and the sample was taken from the other and the result would be this Friday," he added, emphasizing the urgency of their response.
The emergence of locally acquired dengue cases in Rosario serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mosquito control measures and personal vigilance in preventing the spread of this potentially serious illness.
⚠️🦟Dengue: two indigenous cases confirmed in Rosario. Several suspects are under investigation. “In Rosario 7 thousand people have already been vaccinated against dengue,” says Ignacio Mangiameli, General Director of Interregional Policies pic.twitter.com/qfgjynQePo
— De12a14 (@De12a14)
November 29, 2024
2024-11-29 16:03:00
#Rosario #registered #cases #indigenous #dengue #prevention #protocol #implemented
## Rosario Braces for Dengue: An Expert Interview
**World Today News:** Rosario, Argentina, has reported its first locally acquired cases of dengue fever, jolting the cityS health authorities into action.
Joining me today is Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading epidemiologist at the Rosario Institute of Tropical Medicine.Dr.rodriguez, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** It’s my pleasure.
**World Today News:** Can you tell us more about these first locally acquired cases in Rosario?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** These are the first confirmed cases of dengue contracted within the city itself. Previously, any cases detected in Rosario were imported from travelers returning from regions where dengue is endemic. This marks a important shift, indicating that the virus is now circulating within the local mosquito population.
**World Today News:** What are the potential implications of these locally acquired cases?
**Dr.Rodriguez:** This growth is concerning because it suggests there is now a risk of wider transmission within Rosario. Dengue can spread rapidly in urban environments where the Aedes aegypti mosquito,the primary vector,thrives. We need to act quickly to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
**World Today News:** What measures are being taken to address this situation?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** The rosario health authorities have mobilized a multi-pronged approach. This includes:
* **Intensified mosquito control efforts:** Teams are conducting door-to-door inspections, identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and applying larvicides in high-risk areas.
* **Public awareness campaigns:** Informational campaigns are being launched to educate the public about dengue symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of reporting suspected cases.
* **Enhanced surveillance and case detection:** Health professionals are on high alert, actively seeking out potential cases and ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
**World Today News:** What can residents of Rosario do to protect themselves and their communities?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Individuals play a vital role in dengue prevention. Here’s what residents can do:
* **Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:** Remove standing water from containers, flowerpots, and gutters. Keep windows and doors screened.
* **Wear protective clothing:** Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
* **Seek medical attention:** If you experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, and rash, see a doctor promptly.
**World Today News:** Looking ahead, Dr. Rodriguez, what is your biggest concern regarding this outbreak?
**Dr. Rodriguez:** My primary concern is the potential for a widespread outbreak. dengue can overwhelm healthcare systems, especially during peak transmission season. We must work collectively – government agencies, healthcare providers, and the community – to effectively control the spread and minimize the impact.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for providing such valuable insights. We hope that these efforts prove successful in protecting the residents of Rosario from this risky virus.
**Dr. Rodriguez:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we all remain vigilant and work together to combat this threat.
