Paraguay reports significant increase in dengue in 2024
Paraguay health officials are reporting an large increase in dengue fever cases in 2024, including since the epidemic began last September.
Over the last three weeks, officials have reported more than 62,600 total dengue notifications, including 7,659 confirmed cases, or 12 percent of the total.
All regions of the country report cases of the disease. The highest percentage of cases, 85%, come from Central, Itapúa, Asunción, Cordillera, Paraguarí and Guairá.
The predominant dengue strain reported in Paraguay is DENV-2, accounting for 85% of all cases tested.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, Paraguay has reported a 71,497 total (suspected and confirmed) dengue cases since the beginning of the year.
Since the dengue epidemic began in September 2023, a total of 29,166 confirmed cases and 110,143 suspected cases of the disease, including 39 deaths have been reported.
29% of confirmed deaths, that is, 11 correspond to individuals of pediatric age.
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Health officials say if you develop fever or other symptoms accompanied by headache, body pain, and pain behind the eyes, you are encouraged to seek medical advice in a timely manner to avoid complications of the condition. Avoid self-medication and traveling to other cities to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pay attention to the warning signs, which may be: abdominal pain, vomiting, altered consciousness or bleeding.
Eliminate breeding sites. It is important to intensify control and elimination of breeding sites periodically, inside and outside the home.
To prevent mosquito bites, it is essential to use repellent and a mosquito net, install metal meshes/nets against mosquitoes on doors and windows, and wear long-sleeved clothing.