GDF (Federal District Government) requests Army assistance in combating chikungunya fever.
The Governor of the Federal District, Rodrigo Rollemberg, announced that he has requested Army personnel from the Planalto Military Command to assist in the fight against dengue fever and chikungunya. The head of the local executive branch met with regional health and education administrators at the Palácio do Buriti to request their dedication in combating the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits both viruses.
Brasilia 247 - The governor of the Federal District, Rodrigo Rollemberg (PSB), informed that he requested members of the Army from the Planalto Military Command to assist in the fight against dengue and chikungunya fever. The head of the local Executive met with regional health and education administrators on Thursday morning (19) at Palácio do Buriti with the aim of asking for dedication in the fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, transmitter of both viruses.
"We had a dengue epidemic, although not recognized, but a very significant number of dengue cases last year in the Federal District, and we know the importance of mobilization to reduce occurrences," said Rollemberg. "We know that in the difficult situation that the public health system is going through, a dengue epidemic has a very strong impact. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure," he added.
According to the governor, a meeting is scheduled for next Monday (23) with mayors of cities in the surrounding area to discuss the fight against the disease. Rollemberg also instructed administrators to ask for help from churches and radio stations to strengthen activities.
There were 11.458 cases of the disease registered in 2014 and 11.520 in 2013, according to a report from the Health Department. However, the number of deaths more than tripled from one year to the next: it went from 5 to 18 in the same period. There were three cases of chikungunya in 2014 in the Federal District.
The department also reported a 79% decrease in dengue cases registered in the first month of 2015 compared to January of the previous year. This reduction was a consequence of the drought and the debris removal operation in the regions that began in January.
Symptoms
Chikungunya fever has symptoms similar to dengue fever and is transmitted by the same mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Symptoms include severe pain, mainly in the joints, headaches, and muscles; sudden and intense fever above 39°C; and red spots on the skin.
In both cases, the recommendation is for complete rest and plenty of fluids. Self-medication can hinder diagnosis and worsen the condition.
To prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes, it is recommended to avoid standing water in buckets, plant pots, drains, and other containers.