Dengue Cases Dip in Argentina Amidst Prosperous Vaccination Drive
Argentina is experiencing a welcome decline in dengue fever cases,according to recent reports from the Ministry of health. The positive trend is attributed to a combination of community-led prevention efforts and a robust vaccination campaign.
Health Minister medina Ruiz announced the encouraging news, stating, “We have not had any new cases of dengue in this last week.We have had suspicious cases that were ruled out by the laboratory, although there are cases in the region, especially in the NEA, Chaco, Formosa and also in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.” he emphasized the crucial role of community involvement in combating the disease.
Minister Ruiz highlighted the importance of proactive measures in preventing mosquito breeding grounds. “The work that has been carried out by the Directorate of Environmental Health, together with the community delegates and the mayors, in prevention, attacking the vector, is very important. This means avoiding having containers that can become mosquito breeding sites, such as toys, pots or bottles in the back of the house,” he explained. The minister credited this intense community effort with a reduction in mosquito populations, despite the warm weather.
The success of the dengue vaccination campaign is also noteworthy. “We are vaccinating in all our nodes with the first and second doses. We have already exceeded 82,000 first doses placed and we are close to 100,000,” Ruiz reported. He urged Argentinians aged 10 to 49 to get vaccinated, highlighting a mobile vaccination clinic: “We are even on the main avenue of Tafí del Valle, with a healthy tent from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., vaccinating against dengue and other diseases.”
Respiratory Illness on the Decline
Beyond dengue, the minister also addressed the situation regarding respiratory illnesses. “In the case of bronchiolitis, we are observing a decrease in cases, with a very low plateau, less than 100 cases per week,” he stated. While the numbers are encouraging, Ruiz cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, notably among infants and those living with young children.
The Argentinian government’s multifaceted approach to public health, combining community engagement, vaccination drives, and ongoing monitoring, offers a valuable model for other nations facing similar challenges. The success in curbing dengue fever underscores the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts in protecting public health.
