Rio de Janeiro declares health emergency due to surge in dengue cases prior to Carnival

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro has declared a health emergency in an attempt to control the spread of dengue fever. In January alone, the number of cases of this mosquito-borne disease in Brazil has quadrupled compared to the same month last year. So far, Rio has recorded 10,000 cases this year, while there were 23,000 cases in the whole of 2022. Dengue fever can cause various symptoms such as fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. To address this situation, the city has announced the opening of 10 treatment centers specifically for people with dengue. Daniel Soranz, the health secretary of Rio, stated the objective is to decrease the number of severe cases and deaths resulting from this infection, emphasizing the importance of early treatment. Furthermore, health officials are advising individuals to use repellent as a preventive measure against mosquito bites. Brazil's Health Minister, Nísia Trindade, has also called on people to check their homes and eliminate any stagnant water where dengue-carrying mosquitos can breed. Additionally, fumigation efforts are being carried out in the most affected areas, and public health announcements will be broadcasted at the Sambadrome, the venue for Rio's renowned samba schools' Carnival parade.