An increase in dengue cases in Argentina is raising alarms in the health system. According to the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN), as of the sixth week of 2024, it was more than 48 thousand cases of dengue fever and 35 deaths. In just one week (between the fifth and sixth, the last procedure), 9,000 infections were added. These are the country's numbers. Meanwhile, the situation remains under control in the city.
Sources from the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires informed Clarín that since the 27th epidemiological week, which began in June 2023 until now, 704 probable or confirmed cases of dengue fever. The cases correspond to 15 municipalities in the city. Of the total registered 141 cases had no travel history Immediately, it is the first local cases of the 2023/2024 season.
The 141 confirmed cases correspond to the municipalities of almost all municipalities of Buenos Aires, number 2 being the only exception. Surveillance and control measures were carried out in the area: fever searches, prevention operations and assessment of potential mosquito breeding sites, without finding new suspicious cases in the area. So far, 29 patients required hospitalization Only 3 of them required intensive care. No deaths have been reported so far.
According to the epidemiological study, cases were concentrated in recent months in municipalities 1, 4, 11, and 15. Town 1 (Retiro, San Nicolas, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Montserrat, and Constitución) had 100 cases, putting it in second place. The municipality with the highest number of infections. Then it is followed by number 8 (Villa Soldati, Villa Riachuelo, and Villa Lugano) with a score of 84; 15 (Chacarita, Villa Crespo, La Patternal, Villa Ortuzar, Agronomia, Parque Chas) with 72 and 11 (Villa General Miter, Villa Devoto, Villa del Parque and Villa Santa Rita) with 62. At the other end is municipality 2 (Recoleta) With only 14 cases.
During the months from December to February the epidemiological situation is moderately severe, with the vector presence and suspected cases of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. Furthermore, in this scenario, cases with travel history to High traffic areas Of the disease.
The mosquito invasion in recent days may have frightened many people. But it is a species that does not transmit the disease. The specialist fears that there is psychosis spreading among the neighbors. Clarion He visited the wards of three public hospitals in Buenos Aires, and there was still no great demand for dengue consultations. Neither the patients consulted nor the doctors treating them recorded more cases of dengue fever in the city.
Regarding the mosquito invasion, the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health requested “that it be very clear that mosquitoes alone do not represent a disease,” and stressed that “this widespread species is not Aedes aegypti (which transmits dengue fever).”
Likewise, Health suggests taking preventive measures to avoid the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito when it is infected and can spread dengue fever.
To reduce mosquito numbers, the Ministry of Public Space and Urban Health of the City of Buenos Aires continues the disinfection plan in green spaces, parks and squares. Starting in December, when the last invasion of wild mosquitoes occurred, operations were reinforced with additional interventions in the largest green spaces in Buenos Aires.
