Brazil breaks the historical record for dengue deaths, with 1,116 official deaths; However, the dengue epidemic shows early signs of abating in 20 states
On Monday, Brazil broke the historical record of deaths from dengue (8), according to data from the Ministry of Health: 1,116 deaths have been confirmed due to the disease transmitted by the virus dengue mosquito (Aedes aegizi). However, the epidemic is already showing the first signs of stability or even decline in 20 Brazilian states.
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As regards deaths from dengue, it is worth underlining that this is the highest number ever recorded in the historical series, which began in the 2000s. Observing the chronology, it is possible to see a succession of records in the lethality of the disease. That’s because 2023 and 2022 are, respectively, the second and third deadliest years for dengue, with 1,094 and 1,053 deaths.
In addition to the record number of deaths from dengue, in these first three months of the year, the country also broke its annual record for dengue cases, with 2.9 million infections – in no year have so many cases been recorded. In the worst case scenario, experts estimate that 5 million could be identified by December.
In 2024, the dengue challenge is not limited to Brazil. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Americas are expected to experience the worst dengue epidemic in history. Argentina and Paraguay are also seeing an increase in cases.
Dengue epidemic in Brazil
Analyzing the trend of dengue in recent weeks, the Ministry of Health notes that there is a pattern of stability or even decline in the incidence of the mosquito-borne disease.
Regarding the decline in notifications, this movement is already evident in eight states: Acre, Amazonas, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Piauí, Roraima and Distrito Federal. Furthermore, 12 other states show stability in the dengue epidemic: Amapá, Ceará, Mato Grosso, Pará, Paraíba, Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rondônia, Rio Grande do Sul and Tocantins.
Despite clear signs of improvement, “this is a moment that still requires attention,” Ethel Maciel, secretary for health and environmental oversight, said in a statement. “We need, in municipalities where vaccines are available, those responsible to take children to protect themselves,” she advises.
Dengue cases and deaths
According to the most recent data from the Arbovirus Panel, Brazil has 2.96 million probable dengue cases and 1,116 dengue deaths. However, another 1,807 deaths are under investigation, which could still increase the final tally.
On average, the estimated mortality rate for probable dengue cases is 0.04%. However, the rate skyrockets among severe dengue cases – condition once known as dengue hemorrhagic fever —, estimated at 3.93%.
More dengue vaccine
Without specific drugs against dengue fever, one of the best control strategies is to prevent the formation of dengue mosquito breeding sites — the larvae can be easily identified.
Another important strategy adopted by Brazil is the use of the dengue vaccine. Because supplies for this year are limited, the Ministry of Health has released vaccine doses only for children and adolescents aged 10 to 14, in specific cities.
The expectation is that this target audience can be expanded in 2025, with the acquisition of more doses and possible national production. “We are collaborating with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, which in turn has worked on partnerships with private laboratories, in order to increase this production [de vacinas]”, said Nísia Trindade, Minister of Health Brazilian agency.
Today, doses of the Qdenga vaccine are imported and the pharmaceutical company responsible, the Japanese Takeda, has not yet signed contracts for the transfer of the technology with the Brazilian government.
There is still the possibility of adopting the Butantan Institute vaccine against denguebut this has not yet been approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
Source: Arbovirus panel, Ministry of Health AND Brazilian agency
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
