According to Health Minister Francisco Coma, the Guatemalan government declared a state of emergency this Thursday (31) due to an outbreak of dengue fever that has killed 22 people and recorded more than 12,000 cases this year. — Photo: Joinville City Hall/Reproduction/ND
“We have decided to declare a national health emergency due to the situation with dengue,” the minister said at a press conference. – Photo: Joinville City Hall/Reproduction/ND
Coma explained that the measure will be in effect for three months and includes fumigation to kill dengue mosquitoes. It also provides for an increase in the volume of medical care in hospitals, as well as other actions involving various public and private institutions. – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND
From January to August, the country recorded 22 dengue deaths on top of 12,263 cases, a 152% increase from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Health. – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND
“We have to work in a coordinated way because we not only have to do propaganda and prevention, but we also have to deal with the crisis caused by this epidemic,” Coma added. – Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND
The historic peak of dengue fever in Guatemala was recorded in 2019, when, according to official statistics, more than 50,000 cases were reported. – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND
Dengue is a disease endemic to tropical regions that causes high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and, in the most severe cases, bleeding that can lead to death. – Photo: Katya Farias
In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are spreading further and further as a result of climate change. – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND
Source: Ndmais