Rio de Janeiro Declares State of Public Health Emergency Due to Dengue Epidemic
Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant city known for its carnival celebrations and stunning beaches, is currently facing a dire situation. The mayor, Eduardo Paes, has declared a state of public health emergency due to a dengue epidemic. This announcement comes as the city gears up for its famous carnival festivities, where millions of people pour onto the streets for parades and block parties.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This particular mosquito is also known to carry other dangerous viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue is the most common virus transmitted by mosquitoes, infecting up to 400 million people worldwide each year.
The state of emergency was declared on Monday, as Rio de Janeiro witnessed a surge in dengue cases. In January alone, the city’s health network reported 362 people hospitalized due to dengue, surpassing the previous record set in 2008. Data from the Rio de Janeiro City Council’s Epidemiological Observatory panel reveals that there have already been 11,202 registered cases in 2024. This is a significant increase compared to the total of 22,959 cases throughout 2023.
Rio’s Municipal Health Secretary, Daniel Soranz, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “In a single month of 2024, we already have almost half the cases of the entire previous year.” To combat the disease, ten centers are being planned across the city. These centers will focus on providing necessary medical care and implementing preventive measures.
In addition to this, the Municipal Health Department is preparing to vaccinate children as soon as vaccines are released by the Ministry of Health. The goal is to vaccinate the entire population within a week, targeting approximately 354,000 children. It is a crucial step in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable individuals.
It is important to note that only a quarter of people infected with dengue will exhibit symptoms. The most common symptom is fever, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, rash, or body aches. While there is no specific medicine to treat dengue, the CDC advises taking acetaminophen to alleviate pain and reduce fever.
The situation in Rio de Janeiro is still developing, and updates are expected as authorities work tirelessly to combat the epidemic. The declaration of a state of public health emergency highlights the severity of the issue and the urgent need for action. As the city prepares for its carnival celebrations, it is crucial for residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites and minimize the risk of dengue transmission.
Rio de Janeiro, known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, is currently facing a significant health crisis. The mayor, Eduardo Paes, has declared a state of public health emergency due to a dengue epidemic. This announcement comes as the city gears up for its famous carnival festivities, where millions of people pour onto the streets for parades and block parties.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This particular mosquito is also known to carry other dangerous viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue is the most common virus transmitted by mosquitoes, infecting up to 400 million people worldwide each year.
The state of emergency was declared on Monday, as Rio de Janeiro witnessed a surge in dengue cases. In January alone, the city’s health network reported 362 people hospitalized due to dengue, surpassing the previous record set in 2008. Data from the Rio de Janeiro City Council’s Epidemiological Observatory panel reveals that there have already been 11,202 registered cases in 2024. This is a significant increase compared to the total of 22,959 cases throughout 2023.
Rio’s Municipal Health Secretary, Daniel Soranz, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “In a single month of 2024, we already have almost half the cases of the entire previous year.” To combat the disease, ten centers are being planned across the city. These centers will focus on providing necessary medical care and implementing preventive measures.
In addition to this, the Municipal Health Department is preparing to vaccinate children as soon as vaccines are released by the Ministry of Health. The goal is to vaccinate the entire population within a week, targeting approximately 354,000 children. It is a crucial step in controlling the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable individuals.
It is important to note that only a quarter of people infected with dengue will exhibit symptoms. The most common symptom is fever, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, rash, or body aches. While there