The São Paulo state government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday (19/02) across the entire state due to the rapid spread of dengue fever, which has already resulted in 113 deaths this year. The measure enables faster implementation of emergency actions and facilitates the allocation of additional federal resources. Health officials anticipate that dengue cases will peak in mid-April.
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Dengue Statistics
According to the State Health Department, 60 cities in São Paulo have already declared an emergency due to active dengue outbreaks. As of Wednesday (19/02), the state has reported 124,038 confirmed cases and 113 deaths, with most infections caused by serotype 2 of the virus. Additionally, there are 82,908 suspected cases and 233 deaths under investigation.
Decrease Compared to 2024
Despite the alarming numbers, the current outbreak remains less severe than in 2024. During the same period last year, São Paulo had recorded 198,668 cases and 159 deaths.
Expansion of Hospital Capacity
To combat the crisis, 20% more hospital beds will be made available across the state. Additionally, R$3 million will be invested in purchasing 100 portable nebulization devices and ten environmental nebulization machines to help control mosquito populations.
Public Awareness Campaign
A statewide public awareness campaign is underway with the slogan “São Paulo: We Are All Against the Dengue Mosquito.” The campaign highlights the importance of eliminating Aedes aegypti breeding grounds and is being broadcast on TV and social media. Furthermore, the Dengue 100 Questions portal (www.dengue100duvidas.sp.gov.br) provides information on urban arboviruses.
Critical Situation in São José do Rio Preto
The São José do Rio Preto regional health department, covering 102 cities, currently has the highest number of cases in the state. As of Wednesday, the region had recorded 37,580 confirmed cases and 36 deaths. The city of Conchas has the highest incidence rate, with 9,255.21 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Sources: O Globo; A Folha de SP.
