By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The number of dengue fever cases in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil has increased some 200 percent in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

Aedes aegypti
Image/CDC

In the first half of 2019, Manaus saw 173 confirmed dengue cases, while in the same period this year, 525 cases were reported. This is a 204 percent increase.

“The message of our campaign is clear: ‘as long as you are concerned about one danger, you cannot forget the other’, making a reference between Covid-19 and dengue. And this is a permanent orientation from Mayor Arthur Virgílio Neto, which is to reinforce that the city government, as a public authority, has a duty to carry out actions to combat the transmitting mosquito, but also to warn that with simple actions we can prevent the disease ”, he highlighted the municipal secretary of Communication, Kellen Veras Lopes.

According to the director of the Department of Environmental and Epidemiological Surveillance (Devae / Semsa), nurse Marinélia Ferreira, the campaign aims to raise awareness among manauaras about the importance of maintaining care against the mosquito. “Breeding sites are usually in the family environment and if we are spending more time at home, we are even more exposed. It is an alert for the population to pay attention to both the pandemic and other dangers ”, he pointed out.

The prevention message is being disseminated on television stations, radio stations, newspapers, traditional and LED billboards, viaducts and also on social networks.

The head of the Dengue Control Center linked to Semsa, Alciles Comape, explained that the inspection of the residents must be done weekly, as the mosquito’s life is seven to eight days. “Creating this habit, the population reinforces the protection of their homes, guaranteeing security not only for the family, but also for the entire community”, he stressed, reinforcing that during the pandemic, with social isolation, it is possible to have a closer look at these home care. “To beat dengue, it is essential that the public authorities and society go hand in hand”, he concluded.