Carnival Proceeds Despite Outbreak
Rio de Janeiro has declared a public health emergency as a result of a widespread outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever, according to the city’s official gazette. The announcement comes just days before the start of Carnival celebrations across Brazil. However, officials have assured the public that Carnival will not be disrupted, as it is set to commence on schedule.
Measures Taken to Tackle the Outbreak
In response to the outbreak, Rio city hall has taken several steps to address the situation. Ten care centers have been opened, an emergency operations center has been established, and hospital beds have been allocated specifically for dengue patients. Additionally, authorities plan to use “smoke cars” in areas with the highest number of cases. These vehicles will diffuse insecticide into the air as a preventive measure.
Since the beginning of 2024, Rio has recorded over 10,000 dengue cases, almost half of the total cases reported in the entire year of 2023.
Dengue Fever Across Brazil
The outbreak in Rio is part of a larger problem affecting the entire country. The surge in dengue cases has led four states, including Acre, Minas Gerais, Goias, and the Federal District, to declare public health emergencies. To address the situation, the Brazilian air force has set up a 60-bed field hospital in the Federal District’s Ceilandia, which is expected to begin treating patients.
Dengue Symptoms and Risks
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, with a higher prevalence in tropical climates. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and a rash. While most individuals recover within a week, some develop a severe form of the disease that requires hospitalization and can be fatal.
The World Health Organization has linked climate change, which leads to increased temperatures and rainfall, to a higher risk of dengue.
Prevention and Vaccination Efforts
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes has urged residents, known as “cariocas,” to eliminate stagnant water sources that serve as mosquito breeding grounds. Unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, where citizens had limited control, the prevention of dengue heavily relies on individual actions.
In March 2023, Brazil became the first country to offer a public dengue vaccine through its health system. Over 3 million people are scheduled to receive the vaccine in 2024.
Overall, Rio de Janeiro is taking proactive measures to combat the dengue fever outbreak, ensuring that Carnival celebrations can proceed as planned.
