The number of potential dengue cases across Brazil has almost doubled since the beginning of the year compared to the same period in 2021, according to the Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health.
According to the survey, nearly 400,000 probable cases of dengue were recorded, which is a 95% increase over the same period last year. So far, there are 184 cases per 100,000 residents this year.
For the second vice president of the Federal Council of Medicine, Rosilan Rocha, two factors could explain this significant increase. The first is that dengue fever is a seasonal disease that increases in incidence during periods of rain and heat. Because rains in many areas this year have exceeded expectations, it has favored the accumulation of water, a favorable situation for outbreaks of vector mosquitoes.
Another reason, according to Rosellan Rocha, is that the fear of COVID-19 has caused many people to seek medical care, which has led to an increase in official records of dengue cases, because the two diseases initially have similar symptoms.
Much higher than the national average, the dengue infection rate in the Midwest region is over 700 cases per 100,000 population, with an emphasis on the capitals Goiania, Brasilia and Palmas.
The Ministry of Health bulletin indicates that so far, of the 280 people who have had an exacerbation of dengue fever in the country. 112 died. Records occurred mainly in the states of São Paulo, followed by Goiás, Bahia, Santa Catarina and Minas Gerais. In addition, more than 170 deaths are still being investigated and may be related to dengue fever.
*By Brazil Agency
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.
