Brazil is facing a significant increase in reported cases of dengue this year. 120,874 cases of dengue have already been identified in the first three epidemiological weeks of 2024, which represents an increase of 170% compared to the 44,752 cases registered in the same period last year, according to a report published in CNN . The country also has 12 suspected deaths from dengue this year.
Given this scenario, it is important to clarify some myths about the disease and understand what is an effective way to protect yourself, in addition to knowing the symptoms and warning signs.
Next, the CNN list some of the main myths and truths about dengue with information from UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais), UFC (Federal University of Ceará) and the Paraná Health Department.
Avoiding standing water is the only way to prevent dengue
Myth . The accumulation of stagnant water in water tanks, reservoirs and other containers is just one of the ways mosquitoes proliferate Aedes aegypti, transmitter of the dengue virus. To prevent the disease, the area must also be cleaned frequently, as the eggs laid by the mosquito can remain in a dormant state for up to a year, and may hatch when the area has accumulated water again.
Furthermore, the dengue vaccine is also an effective way to prevent the disease. Find out who can take the vaccine through the SUS (Unified Health System).
Repellents can help prevent mosquito bites Aedes aegypti
True. Using repellent is one way to prevent mosquito bites. According to the Ministry of Health, the most recommended products are those based on DEET (NN-diethylmetatoluamide), IR3535 or Icaridin. They can be used by pregnant women and children, as long as there is medical advice.
Dengue can be transmitted from one person to another
Myth. The only way the dengue virus is transmitted is through mosquito bites. Aedes aegypti. But to do this, the mosquito must be contaminated, that is, it must bite a person already infected with one of the four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 or DENV-4) to transmit the disease to another person. Transmission from one individual to another is not possible.
Only the female Aedes aegypti is capable of transmitting the dengue virus
True . Only the female needs to consume blood to survive, as only she produces the eggs. Therefore, she is responsible for transmitting the dengue virus, while the male only feeds on nectar and plant sap.
Dengue is more dangerous in summer
True . Hot temperatures and high amounts of rain – common during the summer – favor the proliferation of mosquitoes, including mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti. Therefore, it is common for dengue epidemic peaks to occur in the months between October of one year and May of the following year.
There are no cases of dengue fever in winter
Myth . Despite the proliferation of mosquitoes Aedes aegypti occurs more easily in hot temperatures, this does not prevent a person from becoming infected in the colder seasons of the year. Furthermore, if there is a rise in temperature and rainy days during the winter, the larva, which could be in a state of hibernation, can hatch and restart the contamination cycle.
Anti-inflammatories should not be taken in case of contamination or suspicion of dengue
True. Medicines based on non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and nimesulide, can increase the risk of bleeding, worsening dengue fever. It is also not recommended to use acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) to relieve symptoms. Dengue is treated with analgesics, such as dipyrone, rest and hydration. There is still no specific medicine for dengue.
The second dengue infection may be worse than the first
True. Reinfection with the dengue virus is possible because there are four serotypes of the virus. According to the Ministry of Health, when a person is infected by one of these types, they become immune to it only, and may also be infected by the other three variants.
In the second infection, the risk of developing a more serious illness, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, is greater, but this does not eliminate the possibility of the symptoms being dangerous even in the first infection.
Using air conditioning or a fan prevents dengue mosquito bites
Myth. These devices can inhibit mosquito activity by reducing the temperature of the area, making it difficult to detect a possible bite victim. However, this measure does not prevent it from remaining in the environment or from biting a person at another time.
Wearing long pants and sleeves reduces the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes.
True. Especially in areas of greatest risk, wearing clothing that covers the skin, especially the lower limbs, is useful to reduce the chance of being bitten by the mosquito. Aedes aegypti.
Source: CNN Brasil
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