by Dengue cases have increased in Belo Horizonte since January. Attendances at health centers in the capital grew 248% for suspected cases of dengue between January 1st and March 10th, compared to the same period last year.
According to the dengue balance, released by the Municipal Health Department, last Friday (10/3), there are 341 confirmed cases and 2,854 under investigation in the capital. In 2022, in the same period, there were 98 confirmed cases and 769 notified pending confirmation.
More stations in operation
In view of the high number of cases of the disease, the Municipality of Belo Horizonte (PBH) decided to expand services to the population as of this Saturday (3/18). Two health centers – Rio Branco, in Regional Venda Nova, and Santa Terezinha, in Regional Pampulha – will be open from 7am to 6pm.
The places will provide care, preferably, to children and adults with symptoms of dengue, chikungunya or respiratory diseases.
In addition, according to PBH, the UPAs in the capital will operate normally over the weekend with 24-hour service for the general public.
Also according to the body, the action is part of the Contingency Plan of the Municipal Health Secretariat. The actions aim to offer timely, safe and quality assistance, to avoid the occurrence of greater severity.
The contingency plan is gradually activated based on the epidemiological scenario of the municipality.
PBH also reported that, at this first moment, two units will be open for service on Saturdays. The Municipal Health Secretariat, however, continues to monitor the situation and, if necessary, the action can be expanded, with the opening of more health centers on weekends.
See the health centers with attendance this Saturday (from 7am to 6pm):
- Rio Branco Health Center – Rua Crisanto Muniz, 120, Rio Branco neighborhood
- Santa Terezinha Health Center – Rua Senador Virgílio Távora, 157, Santa Terezinha neighborhood
Alert for risk of increased cases
At the time, the Municipal Secretary of Health, Cláudia Navarro, highlighted the importance of the population’s participation in the fight against the disease.
“I ask the population to continue helping us in the face of these diseases, as they helped us in the case of COVID, in which society’s role was fundamental. In the same way, this action by society and the press in publicizing these measures to combat dengue was important.”
According to her, the objective of the joint action is to avoid deaths from diseases transmitted by Aedes in the capital.
“The role of each one of society and the team of the Secretariat, of the City Hall is fundamental for us to reach our goal of zero death this year from diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti.”
Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti – dengue, zika and chikungunya – is to avoid the accumulation of stagnant water in tires, bottles, potted plants and other containers, where mosquito proliferation occurs.
Some recommendations are: cover water barrels, keep gutters clean, leave bottles with the mouth facing downwards, clean and fill the plant pots with sand, keep trash cans covered, clean drains and install screens on windows.
The illnesses have some similar symptoms, such as high fever, body aches and malaise.
in mines
Minas Gerais is the state with the highest number of probable cases of dengue in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health. The Epidemiological Bulletin for Monitoring cases of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, released by the Minas Gerais State Health Secretariat (SES-MG), shows that until March 12, the state registered 83,911 probable cases of the disease. Of this total, 25,265 cases were confirmed and nine people died from dengue in the state. There are still 40 deaths under investigation.
