Rio de Janeiro declares a health emergency due to a dengue fever crisis, coinciding with the upcoming carnival festivities.
Even with this outbreak, the celebrations will start this Friday and run until February 14, as planned.
The city is taking action by opening 10 health centers and a command center. It will also provide special hospital beds for those affected by dengue.
In areas with high dengue rates, “health vehicles” will spray insecticides to combat the spread.
Since 2024 began, the city has seen over 10,000 dengue cases, nearly half of last year’s total.
This health emergency declaration coincides with an expected increase in tourists and participants in carnival events.
Dengue fever spreads through mosquito bites, thriving in Rio’s tropical climate. The rainy, warm conditions favor mosquito breeding, raising the risk of outbreaks.
This challenge is not unique to Rio; dengue has led to health emergencies in four other Brazilian states.
To support this, the Brazilian Air Force established a 60-bed field hospital in the Federal District to lessen the strain on health services.
Lieutenant Marcelo Kanitz Damascene emphasized this effort, noting a significant portion of Brazil’s dengue cases come from this area.
Many with dengue may not show symptoms but affected individuals often suffer from fever, headaches, and nausea.
The World Health Organization WHO notes that while many recover, severe cases can necessitate hospitalization and may be life-threatening.
Furthermore, climate change is exacerbating the dengue risk by creating warmer and wetter conditions.
This situation in Rio ahead of the carnival highlights the interconnected challenges of health, climate, and major public events.