Brazil's dengue case count now 365K, Minas Gerais state reports the most
The Brazil Ministry of Health reported Tuesday that the dengue tally in the country in 2024 to date is 364,855 probable cases.
According to the Ministry of Health's arbovirus panel, the country has a total of 40 deaths from dengue, with another 265 deaths under investigation.
Among the individual states, Minas Gerais tops the country in probable cases (121,161), followed by São Paulo (59,381), and the Federal District (47,224).
In an address to the nation on Tuesday night, the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, appealed to the population to take care to prevent the proliferation of breeding sites for the mosquito that transmits dengue fever inside the home.
According to the minister, 75% of the outbreaks are located in homes. “We need to take extra care of our homes and the areas around them. Around 75% of outbreaks are indoors. We will cover the water tanks, dispose of trash correctly, keep the animals' water containers always clean, store bottles and tires in covered places, remove accumulated water from pots and plants,” she said.
Nísia Trindade also asks that people welcome public health agents, who will help eliminate the outbreaks. “Receive them, help them locate and eradicate possible mosquito outbreaks in their home and neighborhood.”
The growing increase in cases of the disease at the beginning of the year requires additional measures by all levels of government, according to the minister.
“It is essential that mayors intensify their care with urban cleaning, avoiding the accumulation of garbage and water where mosquitoes proliferate. Likewise, the action of governors is essential, supporting their health systems”, he stated, citing that the Ministry of Health increased the transfer to states and municipalities by R$1.5 billion.
“Now is the time for all of Brazil to unite against dengue,” he highlighted.
It is estimated that Brazil could account for more than 4.1 million cases in 2024.