The number of Zika virus cases in the country increased by 20% from January to July 8, 2023. Notifications increased from 5,910 to 7,093, compared to the same period in 2022. The southeast region saw the highest increase in cases, at 11.7%. .
The Ministry of Health informed that “data is preliminary and subject to change and that surveillance for sexually transmitted viruses – which includes infections caused by the Zika virus – is mandatory reporting, meaning that every suspected and/or confirmed case must be compulsorily reported. Health services should be reported.”
In April, amid increasing cases of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, which are arboviruses, in Brazil, the federal government launched a national campaign to combat diseases transmitted by the same vector, the mosquito bite. Aedes aegypti.
On that occasion, the Ministry of Health activated the Arbovirus Emergency Operations Center (COE) and support measures were implemented in the 11 states with the highest number of cases and deaths of dengue and chikungunya. Other measures include an investment of R$84.3 million in the purchase of insecticides and larvicides, distribution of diagnostic kits and training of health professionals.
In June, the COE was deactivated after a decrease in the risk of arbovirus transmission was found in all states. The number of reported Zika virus cases decreased by 87% between April and July. “This decrease is due to actions committed to vector control, actions promoted by the Emergency Health Operations Center, as well as climatic changes involving viral spread of dengue and chikungunya. In light of this, and given the current scenario, from “Epidemic Week (SE) 19 COE Arboviruses were inactivated. However, the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the behavior of Arboviruses in Brazil throughout the year,” the dossier reported at the time.
symptoms
The most common symptoms of Zika are: headache, low fever, mild joint pain, red spots on the skin, and itchy and red eyes. Other, less common symptoms include body swelling, sore throat, coughing, and vomiting.
protection
The main way to avoid disease is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, i.e. to avoid the accumulation of standing water in containers, plant pots and old tires; Install screens on windows and doors. Wear long clothes (pants and a blouse) or apply insect repellent to exposed areas of the body, and give preference to places with protective barriers and mosquito nets.
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