Rio de Janeiro Declares End to Dengue Epidemic

The Rio de Janeiro government declared the end of the dengue epidemic on Tuesday, June 11.

This decision, published in the state’s Official Gazette, followed technical analyses by the Health Intelligence Center (CIS) of the Health Department.

For over four consecutive weeks, dengue cases have decreased across all regions of the state.

This consistent decline led to reaching level 1 of the State Contingency Plan Against Dengue.

The epidemic, declared in February, recorded over 91,000 probable cases. Between February 18 and 24, the state saw 27,000 cases.

In March, cases increased to 85,000 but dropped to 42,000 in April. By May, cases further decreased to 18,000, a 57% drop from April.

Health Secretary Claudia Mello stated, “Current rates are the lowest since the dengue epidemic began. We can now reassess the situation.

However, precautions must continue. Residents should maintain weekly checks to prevent the Aedes Aegypti mosquito spread.”

In the latest epidemiological week, from May 26 to June 1, technicians recorded 1,467 probable dengue cases.

From January to June 10 this year, the state reported 268,947 cases and 178 deaths.

The Rio government allocated 160 beds in nine reference network units for dengue treatment.

They also launched an online tool to assist doctors with diagnosis and treatment protocols.

The Dengue Observatory, a virtual platform, was established to monitor data and support municipal measures.

Additionally, the Emergency Operations Committee for dengue enhanced the epidemic response.

Why This Matters

Dengue, caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, poses significant public health risks. It causes high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain.

In severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.

Honduras has recorded 20 dengue deaths in 2024, the worst in Central America. São Paulo faces a shortage of dengue and COVID-19 vaccines, exacerbating public health challenges.