Demand for dengue tests in the Campinas region grows by 37.1%

The demand for dengue fever tests in private laboratories in the Campinas region grew by 37.14% between January and February of this year, compared to the same period last year.

The increase corresponds to a scenario of tests conducted at three laboratories operating in the region. In one of them, the increase was more than 50% (see below).

According to the companies, the growth occurs because symptoms of illness and covid-19 are similar and people choose to ask questions.

In addition, summer, which has the characteristics of heat and humid weather, also records an increase in dengue cases, due to the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. And in Campinas, 25 cases of dengue have been confirmed as of the beginning of February.

laboratories

In one laboratory, the unit saw a 55% increase in demand for dengue diagnostic tests. In January and February 2021, 118 tests were conducted. In January and February – so far – of 2022 there have been 183 tests.

“We understand that focus has shifted. Previously it was about the coronavirus and then diseases with similar conditions drew attention and people sought out the lab for confirmation,” says clinical pathologist Alex Galloro.

Elsewhere, the lab had a high demand for tests for dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Between January and February of last year, they conducted 20 such tests. In January and February 2022, there were 30 tests – an increase of 50%.

In third place, there were 352 exams in the first two months of last year. In the same period this year, there were 459. The increase is 30.39%.

COVID-19 and dengue fever

Both are diseases caused by viruses and cause severe weakness for those infected. But the way they are contracted and the way they are to be treated is very different.

While dengue is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, transmission of the COVID-19 virus occurs through particles of saliva and secretions from infected people who come into contact with another person through contaminated air or surfaces.

This way, a person cannot transmit dengue fever to another person. Dengue fever is not a contagious disease.

Covid-19 spreads from one infected person to another, usually via particles that are circulating in the air.

Signs and symptoms

They are common in both diseases:

– nevus;

– Headache;

– body aches;

– Tired.

– exhaustion.

But when the two diseases are analyzed separately, it is possible to trace very different symptoms that help the clinician and patient to be aware of the diagnosis of dengue fever or COVID-19.

The key point is the respiratory system. Coughing, sputum production, chest pain, shortness of breath, and change in smell and taste are symptoms of COVID-19 only and are not seen in dengue patients.

On the other hand, there are some of the more common signs of illness caused by Aedes aegypti and not the coronavirus. When a person has red spots on the skin, joint pain, and digestive problems, the patient likely has dengue.

These symptoms are not very common in people with coronavirus, although it is possible.

what should be done?

It is very important to seek medical attention as soon as the patient has the first symptoms of dengue fever or COVID-19. In times of pandemic, seeking out telemedicine consultations is a way to achieve a professional assessment without risking contaminating yourself.

Only a doctor can provide the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of each person’s symptoms for both diseases.

Shortness of breath is one of the symptoms that indicate severity in the context of COVID-19. When a person has difficulty breathing, they should seek medical help immediately. The same should be done if a person with dengue has persistent abdominal pain and vomiting.

protection

Both dengue fever and COVID-19 are diseases that should be of concern to the Brazilian population. There are effective ways to prevent both diseases.

To avoid contamination with the coronavirus, proper hygiene of environments and objects, along with staying at home, and respecting social distance, ensures a protected routine.

wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a 70% hand rub; Wear protective masks with an appropriate filter if you need to leave the house or in the same environment as an infected person and practice physical distancing.

The main measure of prevention of dengue fever is the control of Aedes aegypti. For this, it is essential to check things that can accumulate stagnant water in your home and keep them empty, thus reducing the chances of breeding of vector insects.