The General Directorate of Civil Protection rescinds the Stratified National Alert for Dengue: Yellow alert, for 20 municipalities and Green Alert, for 24 municipalities issued on November 15 of this year.
The dengue situation at the national level has had a decrease in cases, likewise, the risk of these municipalities.
Until epidemiological week 47 of this year, 8,031 suspected cases have been reported nationwide. 79% of these cases are under 19 years of age. In the endemic corridor the trend of cases is decreasing from the safety zone.
755 cases have been confirmed and 747 patients have been discharged due to dengue.There are 9 deaths from this disease to date.
Currently, the circulation of the 4 serotypes of the virus (DEN1, 2, 3 and 4) has been detected, so they suggest maintaining normal anti-vector preventive activities and case management in a extensive manner at the national level.
Also, continue epidemiological surveillance by all institutions and the population in general, continue with the destruction of breeding sites in their places of residence and work.
The municipalities that have a slight impact on dengue cases correspond to 21 municipalities distributed in 8 departments:
Department of Ahuachapán: municipalities of Ahuachapán Norte and Centro
Department of Santa Ana: municipalities of santa Ana North, center and west
Department of Sonsonate: municipalities of Sonsonate North, Center and East
Department of La Libertad: municipalities of La Libertad North, Center, East, West and South
Department of San Salvador: municipalities of San Salvador North, Center, East, West and South
Department of Cuscatlán: municipality of Cuscatlán Sur
Department of La Paz: municipality of La paz Este
Department of San Miguel: municipality of San Miguel Centro.
What factors contributed to the recent decline in dengue cases according to Dr. maria Gonzalez?
Interview: Understanding the Recent Decline in Dengue Cases with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Epidemiologist
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez. the General Directorate of Civil Protection recently rescinded the Stratified National Alert for Dengue, citing a notable decrease in cases.Can you provide an overview of what this means for the population?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez (DG): Thank you for having me. The rescinding of the Yellow and Green alerts for dengue in 44 municipalities is certainly a positive development. It indicates a significant decline in dengue cases nationwide, which is reassuring, especially considering that 79% of reported cases were among individuals under the age of 19.
TNE: It’s encouraging to see a decrease. However, what do the current statistics indicate in terms of confirmed cases and fatalities?
DG: As of epidemiological week 47, there have been 755 confirmed dengue cases reported, with 747 patients successfully discharged from medical facilities. Unfortunately, we still have recorded 9 deaths this year due to the disease. This underscores the importance of continuing our preventive measures even as case numbers fall.
TNE: With the emergence of all four dengue virus serotypes (DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, and DEN4), what preventive steps do you recommend for communities?
DG: It’s crucial to enhance public awareness about maintaining anti-vector measures. Residents should continue destroying breeding sites for mosquitoes in their homes and workplaces.Additionally, prolonged epidemiological surveillance is vital for early detection of any potential outbreaks. We must not let our guard down just because numbers are declining.
TNE: The municipalities identified with a slight impact from dengue are geographically distributed across various departments. How can local authorities tailor their approaches based on these distinctions?
DG: Each department can benefit from localized strategies. For example, municipalities such as Ahuachapán and Santa Ana could prioritize community clean-up campaigns to reduce mosquito breeding habitats. Authorities should also implement targeted health education programs to inform residents, especially in the most affected areas, on recognizing dengue symptoms and seeking prompt medical care.
TNE: Looking forward, what insights can you share about the potential for future outbreaks if public health measures are not maintained?
DG: Dengue remains a significant threat. Failure to sustain preventive measures could lead to a resurgence of cases,especially in urban areas where mosquito populations thrive. Continued public engagement and education are critical; as the seasons change, so too can the dynamics of dengue transmission.
TNE: What practical advice would you offer to families to keep themselves safe from dengue moving forward?
DG: I always advise families to remain vigilant. This includes using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves, and ensuring that no stagnant water accumulates in their surroundings. Additionally, education is key—understanding the signs of dengue can make a huge difference in timely treatment and recovery.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your valuable insights on dengue prevention and public health strategies. Your expertise sheds light on the ongoing efforts needed to protect our communities.
DG: Thank you for having me. Together, with continued vigilance and community participation, we can manage and mitigate the risks associated with dengue effectively.
by staying informed and proactive, we can safeguard ourselves and our loved ones from the impacts of this disease.