The intense heat recorded in recent days across a large part of the national territory has put the health authorities of Toledo on alert in the face of Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that carries several diseases. Among them, dengue, which, until this Wednesday (20), has already affected six residents during the current epidemiological year, which began on August 1 – as they had no travel history recently, they are all considered “autochthonous”, that is to say, the infection occurred within the limits of the municipality.

There are still 14 people waiting for test results and another 92 who have tested negative (if rejected). In total, the number of notifications, i.e. patients who consulted public and private health services with symptoms of dengue (red spots on the skin, abdominal pain, fever, body pain, fatigue, between others), is 112.

This situation worries health authorities about the possibility of a dengue outbreak or outbreak, especially since it is not common for there to be cases of dengue at this time of year in Toledo. And the concern over a possible outbreak or epidemic is heightened by the fact that the number of confirmations has increased by 50% in the last two weeks, while the number of notifications has increased by 47.37% in the same period.

Of the six confirmed cases, two were recorded at Jardim Coopagro, one at Jardim Europa, one at Jardim Pancera, one at Jardim Panorama and one at Jardim Porto Alegre. The geographical dispersion of the residence of patients with the disease associated with the significant increase in temperatures, which in 2024 are two alert factors, since they indicate that Aedes is already circulating in practically the entire urban area and that this situation tends to get worse in the coming days because of the heat.

Therefore, preventing Toledo from suffering a dengue outbreak again is quite simple. Each resident must, once a week, comb the yard and remove water accumulated in vases, tires, bottles, gutters, plants, among other places. Another fundamental point to stop the spread of dengue in our municipality, it is essential that Endemic Disease Control Officers (ECOs) carry out property inspections – so when they come knocking at your home, make their job easier and follow all the directives that are in force. given. For those who are not at home during office hours, the Endemic Disease Control and Sector provides telephone numbers (45) 3196-3095 (landline) and (45) 99133-6391 (WhatsApp) to plan visits.

To avoid more serious illnesses, anyone experiencing symptoms of the illness should seek medical attention immediately. It never hurts to remember: dengue kills and we must do everything possible to prevent it!

From Toledo City Hall