Interview: Doctor advises symptoms and care to avoid dengue fever

Santa Catarina has already recorded more than a thousand cases of dengue in 2022, according to the latest data in the state bulletin issued by the Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate (Dive). The state has 119 municipalities that are considered to be infested with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

In an interview with Westmore (see below)Dr. Plinio da Silva Oliveira Filho, of Santa Luzia de Ponte Cerrada Hospital, talks about the main symptoms of the disease, complications of dengue fever – which can cause death – and evidence for care for prevention.

“We are on alert, yellow light. It is not in a very high transmission state yet, but it already has the first cases. That the population is partners against this disease and prevention is the main banner “, advises the doctor.

From January 2 to March 12, 2022, 18,023 mosquito outbreaks were identified in 196 municipalities. There are 1,295 confirmed cases (1,194 by laboratory criteria and 101 by clinical epidemiological criteria) in this period.

Tips to prevent the spread of Aedes aegypti

● Avoid using dishes in pots. If used, add sand to the rim;

● Store the bottles with the neck facing down;

● keep trash cans covered;

● Always leave water tanks sealed, without opening any openings, especially water tanks;

● Plants such as bromeliads should be avoided, as they collect water;

● chlorination of pool water and cleaning it once a week;

● keeping drains closed and unclogged;

● Clean animal food and water utensils at least once a week;

● removal of water accumulated on the panels;

● flush it at least once a week in the seldom used toilets;

● keep the toilet lid closed;

● Avoid debris accumulation, as it can become a focus for dengue mosquitoes;

● reporting a possible Aedes aegypti outbreak to the municipal health department;

● If you have symptoms of dengue fever, chikungunya, or the Zika virus, find a health unit for help.