Last Tuesday, the 17th, the Campina Grande Health Department released the first Aedes aegypti Prevalence Index Rapid Survey (LIRAa). Of the city’s 63 neighborhoods, 48 were at moderate risk of an outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases. 1 was low risk and only 14 had a high rate, contrary to information initially released that there would be 33 alive on alert.
According to the Ministry of Health, rates of less than 1% are considered low. Between 1% and 3.9% the risk is medium and from 4% onwards the risk is high. In revealing the data, the Department of Health’s Communications Division calculated rates from 3% onwards as high risk, resulting in misleading and alarming information that more than 50% of neighborhoods would have alarming outcomes.
With the correction, it turns out that 75% of neighborhoods are at medium risk and only 25% are at high risk. In the general index, the data shows that 3.2% of the surveyed properties had mosquito infestations, i.e. average severity. Almost 80% was at ground level, such as cisterns, barrels and water tanks.
In any case, despite the stability, the survey found an increase compared to the last LIRAa of 2022, which gave an indication of 1.8%. According to the director of environmental monitoring, Hércules Lafite, the increase is common in the summer period, when the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes is faster.
Since last year, the Campina Grande City Council has intensified its hostilities with the Todos contra homme campaign. Five new Smoke cars and several hand pumps have been purchased, as well as drones to assist with land survey operations.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
