Dengue Fever Surges in Santander, Colombia: Experts Point to Urbanization and Policy Gaps
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Santander, Colombia is grappling wiht a meaningful surge in dengue fever cases, with 10,018 reported infections to date, according to the National Institute of Health (INS). The department remains the hardest hit in the nation as of November 2024, prompting health officials to issue alerts and investigate a growing number of potential fatalities.
Breeding Grounds and Mosquito Vectors
Health authorities are focusing on eliminating Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites. These include stagnant water in discarded tires, flower pots, and uncovered water storage containers. the proliferation of these breeding grounds, particularly in urban areas, is a major concern.
Rising Cases and Severity Levels
The majority of cases registered in Santander are classified as dengue without warning signs, accounting for 67.1% of the total. However, a considerable 32.3% present with warning signs, and 0.7% have progressed to severe dengue. Tragically, authorities are investigating 23 probable dengue-related deaths across eleven municipalities, with nine cases already confirmed.
While the current case numbers haven’t surpassed those of the previous year,the Departmental Health Secretariat notes a stable,yet concerning,upward trend in infections. The highest incidence rates are observed among children and adolescents, though cases are being recorded across all age groups, particularly in adults and youth. The municipalities of Bucaramanga, Floridablanca, Sabana de Torres, Girón, and Barrancabermeja are contributing the most to the rising case count.
Factors Fueling the Outbreak
Experts suggest a confluence of factors are driving the increase in dengue transmission. While specific research focused on Santander is lacking, Juliana Quintero, a master’s degree in Epidemiology and professor at the University of the Andes, points to migration patterns, evolving housing infrastructure, and insufficient governmental policies as key contributors.
“The increase in vertical constructions means that dengue mosquitoes have more places to reproduce,” Quintero explained. “and with a greater concentration of people in smaller spaces, the risk of mass contagion increases.” The continued use of water storage containers – pools and cement “piles” – also provides ideal breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a practice observed as early as a 2000 dengue epidemic in Bucaramanga.
Limited Success of Current Control Measures
Traditional mosquito control methods are proving insufficient. Authorities acknowledge that measures like awnings, while helpful at night, are ineffective during the mosquito’s peak activity periods – the early morning and dusk. Initiatives that have shown promise in other cities, such as fumigation, the introduction of guppy fish to mosquito breeding sites, and the release of virus-controlling mosquitoes, have yet to be implemented in Santander.
Vaccine Availability and Ongoing Interventions
A dengue vaccine, Qdenga, developed by Takeda laboratory, became available in Santander in the second half of 2024 for individuals between four and 60 years old. According to Adriana Méndez of Takeda Colombia, the vaccine is “effective and safe for people who have had dengue and for those who have never been exposed to the virus,” providing protection 14 days after the first dose, with a second dose required after three months.
The Santander Health Secretariat is currently implementing interventions thru its Vector-Transmitted Diseases (ETV) program, including home visits, commercial establishment inspections, and controls in schools and sewer systems. The Mayor’s Office and the Ministry of Health of Barrancabermeja are also conducting targeted neighborhood tours and educational campaigns.
Municipalities on Alert
Currently, six municipalities – Barichara, Barrancabermeja, Chipatá, Cimitarra, El Carmen de Chucurí, and Villanueva – are experiencing a type I dengue outbreak. An additional 14 municipalities, including Barbosa, Bucaramanga, and Floridablanca, are on epidemiological alert.Laboratory tests have confirmed the diagnosis in 84.5% of cases presenting with alarm signs and 98.4% of severe cases.
“Every death from dengue in Colombia is an avoidable tragedy,” one expert emphasized. “Therefore, the call is to everyone-authorities, the health sector and citizens-to reinforce actions that allow us to save lives.”
