Aracaju on high alert for dengue fever.
Aracaju is one of 11 state capitals at risk of a dengue epidemic; Health Minister Alexandre Padilha released the new dengue map for the country this Tuesday; this year, 1,4 million probable cases of dengue have been reported in the country due to the circulation of subtype 4 of the virus, which accounted for 60% of cases.
Brazil Agency - Aracaju is one of 11 capitals that are on alert against dengue. The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, released the new dengue map in the country on Tuesday (19).
Padilha participated in the launch of the mobilization campaign against the disease. The map shows that 157 municipalities in the country are at risk and another 525 are on alert. Three state capitals are at risk: Cuiabá, Rio Branco, and Porto Velho. Another 11 are on alert: Boa Vista, Manaus, Palmas, Salvador, Fortaleza, São Luís, Aracaju, Cuiabá, Rio de Janeiro, and Vitória.
The data comes from the Rapid Index Survey for Aedes Aegypti. On that occasion, the minister signed the decree that doubles the planned investment to combat the disease for 2014, which will now be R$ 1,2 billion.
According to the Ministry of Health, the reinforcement of basic care for patients infected by the insect has been expanded year after year and has resulted in a 61% reduction in severe cases of the disease compared to 2010 data. Deaths from dengue fever have also decreased by 10%, even with the increase in reported cases of the disease.
This year, 1,4 million probable cases of dengue fever were reported in the country due to the circulation of subtype 4 of the virus, which accounted for 60% of the cases. The survey was conducted in October and early November to identify where the breeding sites of the transmitting mosquito are concentrated in 1.315 cities.
According to Padilha, the numbers are not yet cause for celebration. "We want to further reduce the chance of death in this country. That is the main action of the Ministry of Health right now." He emphasized that, with the Mais Médicos program, actions will be reinforced since the contracted professionals have already faced dengue fever in their countries of origin, in addition to having extensive experience.
Seven cities have not yet submitted the results of the Rapid Index Survey for Aedes Aegypti, while the other capital cities have levels considered satisfactory.