Sharp Increase in Dengue Cases in South America Sparks Vaccination Drive
South America is currently facing a significant rise in cases of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that is prevalent in many parts of Latin America. The symptoms of dengue include high fever, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and internal bleeding. In Brazil, the disease is often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the severe joint pain it causes. While some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, dengue can be fatal.
To combat the spread of dengue, Brazilian officials have announced plans to launch a new vaccination campaign. This initiative will make Brazil the first country in the world to offer a dengue vaccine. The program is set to begin within days, aiming to protect the population from the disease.
In addition to the vaccination campaign, Brazil has also started spraying insecticide from trucks in areas previously unaffected by dengue. This measure was implemented in January as the disease continued to spread. Similarly, hospitals in Paraguay have established health centers that operate at night to provide care for the sick.
The surge in dengue cases is not limited to Brazil alone. Argentina has witnessed a sharp increase of 12,500 cases of dengue in December 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. This alarming rise has prompted health warnings and shortages of insect repellent in the country. Laura Ledesma from Buenos Aires reported that repellent was sold out everywhere, and there were literal clouds of mosquitoes. However, there are signs that the situation is gradually improving.
Scientists attribute the spread of dengue not only to rising temperatures but also to the El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific. These factors contribute to an extended dengue season and create favorable conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Thais dos Santos, an expert in insect-borne diseases at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that climate change has expanded the range for mosquitoes to breed, both in the Americas and globally. PAHO data reveals that there were 4.2 million cases of dengue and 2,050 deaths in the Americas last year, with a significant portion occurring in the Southern Cone of South America.
The months of December to February, which coincide with the southern summer, provide hot and humid conditions that facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes. Consequently, the risk of dengue transmission increases during this period.
In Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, medical centers have been set up to test for dengue, as the number of cases has skyrocketed. In the first 20 days of January, dengue cases in Brasilia increased by as much as 646% compared to the previous year. Nelson Diego, a resident of Recanto das Emas neighborhood in Brasilia, tested positive for dengue and described his symptoms as muscle pain and extreme fatigue. He mentioned that some days were more difficult than others, but he was grateful for the relatively better day when he could still open his eyes.
The rise in dengue cases in South America has prompted urgent action to control the spread of the disease. Vaccination campaigns, insecticide spraying, and the establishment of specialized health centers are crucial steps in combating dengue. As climate change continues to impact the region, it is essential to prioritize public health measures and raise awareness about the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.
In conclusion, South America’s battle against dengue serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to protect public health. The vaccination drive in Brazil and other initiatives across the region demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the impact of dengue. By addressing both the immediate and long-term factors contributing to the spread of the disease, South American countries can work towards reducing the burden of dengue on their populations.
