Rio de Janeiro has declared a public health emergency due to an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever. This viral infection is transmitted from vector to human through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dengue fever is often asymptomatic; however, possible symptoms of the illness include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and a rash. Symptoms only last a week, with some cases developing a more chronic form and the patients requiring further medical care.
Dengue fever is more prominent in tropical climates. Heavy rains and high temperatures in Rio de Janeiro have allowed for the high reproduction of mosquitoes, which puts Rio at a particularly high risk for dengue outbreaks. To combat growing incidence rates of the fever as the Carnival celebrations commence, the city is taking measures to educate the public and tourists.
The “Against Dengue Every Day” campaign was recently launched to caution the public of the risks of contracting dengue fever. The campaign distributes repellents, stickers, bandanas and hats with warnings about the disease. Rio also announced the opening of 10 care centers, an emergency center, and has made efforts towards allocating hospital beds for dengue patients.
By Maya Yorks