Brazil dengue cases top 650,000, up nearly 300% compared to last year
Case and death tally
Health officials in Brazil said this week that the total dengue fever cases in the country has topped 650,000 already in 2024.
According to Ministry of Health data released Monday, the country registered 653,656 probable cases, an increase of 294% compared to the same period in 2023, the year in which the country broke a record for deaths from the disease. This year, there have already been 113 deaths from dengue, and 438 deaths are under investigation.
In the ranking dengue by state, Minas Gerais leads in absolute number of cases (192,258) this year. They are followed by São Paulo (90,408), Federal District (67,768), Paraná (58,660) and Rio de Janeiro (41,435).
'Brazil united against dengue' initiative
The 'Brazil united against dengue' initiative, a campaign to unite and raise awareness about combating arboviruses and the fight against dengue, has the participation of several government officials and is being shown on social media.
The mobilization against dengue already includes the participation of artists, sports personalities, digital influencers, among others. The content suggests that citizens set aside 10 minutes a week from their routine to combat dengue fever. Around 75% of the breeding sites for the transmitting mosquito are in homes, such as in plant pots and dishes, returnable bottles, drip pans, defrosting containers in refrigerators, drinking fountains in general, small ornamental fountains and materials in construction warehouses (toilets, pipes and others).
Financial support for public health emergencies
On February 9, the Ministry of Health announced the increase to R$1.5 billion (about $305 million) the resources reserved to support states, municipalities and the Federal District in facing emergencies , such as the rise in dengue cases in the country. In 2023, the ministry had already reserved R$256 million for this purpose. In an ordinance, Health also announced optimization to accelerate the release of resources for states and municipalities that declare an emergency, whether due to dengue fever , other arboviruses or situations that affect public health.
The financial support will be allocated to measures to prevent, control and contain risks, damages and problems to public health in situations that may be epidemiological, disasters, or lack of assistance to the population. To receive the resource, the state or municipality must send a letter to the federal government declaring a health emergency. The transfers will be monthly during the term of the emergency decree.