In the epidemiological bulletin that was published this Sunday, the Ministry of Health reported 270 deaths and 379,341 cases of dengue so far in 2024. These figures show that infections continued to increase in the last week, while deaths also grew.
The highest number of infections was reported by the Central region, followed by the NOA and the NEA. At the same time, 871 cases were classified as severe dengue.
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The report makes its characterization by “season«, understood as a period of 52 weeks from week 31 of one year to week 30 of the next, to consider the epidemic months as a whole. The latest data corresponds to week 16, in which 42 deaths and 63,399 infections were added. Its about highest number of deaths per week.
In that sense, the health portfolio indicated that there is a “persistent viral circulation throughout the entire period and advancement of the seasonal increase with respect to previous epidemic years.”
“The accumulated cases until week 16 They represent 3.25 times more than what was registered in the same period of the previous 2022/2023 season and 9.24 times more than what was recorded in the same period of 2019/2020,” the survey noted.
According to the figures, cases of dengue were recorded in all age groups, although The highest mortality rate was observed in those over 80 years of age. Meanwhile, the highest number of infections occurred in people between 30 and 79 years old.
A no less important fact that marked this report is related to the 1871 infections that were recorded in pregnant people, with a median age of 25 years and an increase of 200 cases in the last week. In that sense, he explained that 15 cases were reported as severe dengue and 4 died.
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Regarding symptoms, the Ministry indicated that the most frequent signs among deceased cases with complete clinical information were: fever, headache, myalgias and arthralgias, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
What are the general recommendations against dengue?
- Eliminate or empty containers that may accumulate watersuch as buckets, flower pots and old tires, to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Apply insect repellents approved on exposed skin, following the manufacturer’s instructions, especially during the day, which is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Install mosquito nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
- Dress clothing that covers most of the bodysuch as long sleeves and pants, especially if you are outdoors in risk areas.
- Reduce outdoor activity during the early morning hours and before sunset, which are the times of greatest mosquito activity.
- Mow the grass and prune plants regularly to reduce places where mosquitoes can hide.
- Apply insecticides in the home and surrounding areas if a high presence of mosquitoes is detected, always complying with safety recommendations.
- Keep them closed garbage containers and the garbage well covered so as not to attract mosquitoes.
- Frequently change the water in vasesanimal drinkers and any other similar container.
- Keep informed about dengue prevention campaigns and active outbreaks in the region.