Dengue epidemic reaches critical level and cities in São Paulo declare a state of emergency

The increase in dengue cases led the state of São Paulo to declare a state of emergency in twenty-one cities in São Paulo. According to the State Department of Health of São Paulo (SES-SP), the region registered 7,201 cases of the disease in the first epidemiological week, between December 29, 2024 and January 4, 2025. This number represents an increase of almost 10% compared to data from the same period in the previous year.

According to updated information on the state government's Strategic Health Information Center portal, there are already 18,100 probable cases of dengue and 4,172 confirmed cases. Given this scenario, 21 cities declared an emergency. In response, public authorities are articulating measures to accelerate the service capacity in health units, in addition to offering additional support due to the significant growth in cases.

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_{Number of visits to health units puts government on alert (Photo: Reproduction/Getty Images/Douglas Magno)}

Secretariat seeks to contain advances in new cases

SES-SP clarified, in a note, that it continuously monitors cases of dengue and other arboviruses in São Paulo's municipalities. It also reported that it monitors the indicators to evaluate the best strategies to combat the epidemic. In addition, the secretariat provides electronic bulletins and information panels updated with case numbers, aiming to ensure transparency and inform the population.

To date, the municipalities in an emergency situation due to dengue are: Dirce Reis, Espírito Santo do Pinhal, Estrela D'Oeste, Glicério, Guarani D'Oeste, Igaratá, Indiaporã, Jacareí, Marinópolis, Mira Estrela, Ouroeste, Paraibuna, Populina, Potirendaba, Ribeira, Rubineia, São Francisco, São José do Rio Preto, São José dos Campos, Tambaú and Tanabi.

_{Health surveillance agents carry out preventive actions, such as removing mosquito breeding sites (Photo: Reproduction/Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil)}

Response from the Authorities

Last Thursday (9), the Ministry of Health announced the opening of the Health Emergency Operations Center (COE) for cases of dengue and other arboviruses in the state. The objective is to ensure adequate care and contain the progression of the epidemic. Furthermore, the Federal Department of Health presented the National Containment Plan for Dengue and other Arboviruses.

This plan foresees that, in periods between case peaks, preventive actions will be reinforced, such as the removal of breeding sites and the use of new technologies for vector control. A task force is also planned to investigate cases, collect samples and identify virus serotypes.

The increase in cases related to serotype 3 of the dengue virus has worried health authorities. Last year, Brazil recorded 6.6 million probable cases of dengue and 6 thousand deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health's arbovirus update panel.

This Saturday (11), 18,100 probable cases of the disease were reported, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Featured Photo: Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito (Reproduction/@zeshdo/Pixabay)