In 2024, Brazil faces a critical public health emergency as dengue , breakbone fever cases surge past 740,000, accompanied by 151 reported deaths. This urgent situation has prompted six states and the Federal District to declare a state of emergency, signaling the gravity of the outbreak. Notably, amidst these alarming developments, Rio de Janeiro has received its inaugural shipment of the Qdenga vaccine, offering a glimmer of hope in the battle against the virus.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. It is frequently asymptomatic; if symptoms appear they typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection.These may include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin itching and skin rash. Recovery generally takes two to seven days. In a small proportion of cases, the disease develops into a more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.
The Ministry of Health’s latest data reveals the dire state of affairs in Brazil. With 151 confirmed deaths attributed to dengue this year and a staggering 740,942 probable cases reported nationwide, the incidence rate stands at 364.9 cases per 100,000 people. Furthermore, an additional 501 deaths are currently under investigation to ascertain their association with the disease. Among the worst affected regions, Minas Gerais leads the tally with 258,194 probable cases, followed closely by São Paulo, the Federal District, Paraná, and Rio de Janeiro.
A deeper analysis of the data underscores the severity of the situation, with six states on high alert as incidence rates exceed 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The Federal District emerges as the most severely impacted, with a staggering rate of 2,956.4 cases per 100,000 individuals. Following closely are Minas Gerais, Acre, Paraná, Goiás, and Espírito Santo, with notable rates also recorded in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina.
The demographics of the affected population reveal concerning trends, with women constituting the majority, accounting for 55.1% of probable cases. Among specific age groups, adults aged 30 to 39 bear the brunt of the disease, with 65,305 cases reported among men and 79,083 among women.
In response to the escalating crisis, six states and the Federal District have activated emergency protocols to bolster response efforts. Santa Catarina issued its decree on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to mitigate the outbreak.
Despite the challenges, Rio de Janeiro’s receipt of the Qdenga vaccine marks a significant milestone in the fight against dengue. A total of 231,928 doses arrived at the State Department of Health’s General Storage Center in Niterói, with distribution slated to commence promptly. Of these, 141,710 doses have been allocated to the city of Rio de Janeiro, signaling a concerted effort to prioritize high-risk areas. Additionally, several other municipalities have received doses of the vaccine, underscoring nationwide efforts to curb the spread of dengue.
State Health Secretary Claudia Mello lauded Rio de Janeiro’s efficient vaccine distribution system, which was initially developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This streamlined framework has since emerged as a cornerstone of their response strategy, facilitating the rapid dissemination of vaccines to affected regions.
In a startling revelation, COVID-19 has claimed more lives than dengue in the city of São Paulo in 2024. At least 25 fatalities have been attributed to the virus, compared to only one case of dengue. The latest data, updated on Wednesday (21), reveals a total of 17,413 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the year, with significant spikes in February following end-of-year festivities and Carnival celebrations.
Despite their distinct etiologies, COVID-19 and dengue share overlapping symptoms, including headache, fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea. However, dengue presents additional symptoms such as pain behind the eyes, necessitating differential diagnosis through testing. Self-medication poses significant risks, with certain medications contraindicated for dengue as they may exacerbate symptoms or increase hemorrhagic tendencies.
While the dengue vaccine is available through the Unified Health System for specific age groups, including children aged 10 to 14, the COVID-19 vaccine is widely accessible through the public network. The importance of vaccination as a pivotal public health measure cannot be overstated, particularly in the face of dual outbreaks.
Brazil finds itself at a critical juncture in its battle against dengue, with concerted efforts needed to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and safeguard public health. The urgency of the situation demands swift action and collaboration between federal, state, and municipal authorities to stem the tide of the epidemic and protect vulnerable populations.
