Dengue Fever Surges in Brazil’s Rainy Season, Prompting Emergency Measures and Mass Vaccination
In the midst of Brazil’s hot rainy season, dengue fever has surged, forcing health authorities to take emergency measures and initiate mass vaccination campaigns to combat the mosquito-borne illness. The number of reported cases has skyrocketed in just the first five weeks of this year, with a staggering 364,855 infections, four times more than the same period in 2023. Tragically, this rapid spread of dengue has already claimed the lives of 40 individuals, with an additional 265 deaths under investigation.
To address this alarming situation, Brazil has acquired 5.2 million doses of the dengue vaccine Qdenga, developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda. Additionally, the government has received 1.32 million doses at no cost. Three states within Brazil have declared emergencies, including Minas Gerais, the second most populous state, and the Federal District, where the capital city of Brasília is located. Brasília, in particular, is facing an unprecedented rise in infections, prompting the local government to announce the start of a vaccination campaign for children aged 10-14.
The situation in Brasília is dire, as the number of dengue cases since the beginning of the year has already surpassed the total for the entire year of 2023. The infection rate stands at a staggering 1,625 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of just 170. In response, army troops have been deployed in the capital to assist in identifying breeding spots of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries and spreads the dengue virus through stagnant water found in homes and backyards.
In anticipation of a surge in cases requiring hospital care, the Brazilian air force has established a field hospital in Ceilândia, a densely populated suburb of Brasília. This proactive measure aims to ensure that the healthcare system can effectively manage the influx of patients. Meanwhile, cities like Rio de Janeiro, which are preparing for the upcoming Carnival festivities, have implemented preventive measures to avoid an epidemic.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the health ministry has established an emergency center to coordinate efforts against dengue throughout Brazil. The World Health Organization (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom, visited Brasília on Wednesday and attributed this dengue outbreak to the El Niño phenomenon, which has brought increased rainfall to Brazil. He highlighted that this current outbreak is part of a global surge in dengue fever, with over 500 million cases and 5,000 deaths reported last year across 80 countries worldwide, excluding Europe.
Scientists have emphasized that South America is particularly vulnerable to dengue during the southern hemisphere summer due to rising temperatures and the El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific. These factors contribute to prolonged dengue seasons and the rapid spread of infections.
Dengue fever manifests with symptoms such as high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and an itchy skin rash. In severe cases, the disease can progress to a more dangerous hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding that can be fatal.
As Brazil battles this alarming surge in dengue cases, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito breeding grounds. Efforts must be made to eliminate stagnant water sources and protect against mosquito bites. With mass vaccination campaigns underway and emergency measures in place, Brazil is determined to curb the spread of dengue fever and protect its population from this deadly disease.
