Sorocaba records an increase in dengue cases at this time of year, which is drier and cooler. According to the Municipal Health Administration (SES) as of September 1, there have been 1,081 cases of dengue, 971 of which are indigenous – originating in the area where they present themselves – and 110 imported cases. In addition, this year, deaths from illness were confirmed in the city.

However, as of March, according to data published by the newspaper south trip Of the confirmed cases in the city, 59 were dengue cases, 46 of which are local and 13 are imported. There were no confirmed deaths or under investigation. That is, the number increased mainly in the period of low temperatures.

The most affected areas are to the west and east of the city. But the problem will not lie in the prevention measures taken by the residents, since according to the SES, 231,295 preventive drugs have been examined by the “home to home” program. The initiative is to visit the property, in order to prevent and control vector infestation by removing and/or address potential breeding sites for vector mosquitoes, as well as raising awareness and orienting the population.

“These visits are aimed at preventing disease transmission, by reducing vector infection, removing and/or treating potential breeding sites, educating the population about signs and symptoms of diseases and ways to prevent them, as well as seeking to identify new cases of disease,” the secretary said in a note. Another complementary measure to the blocking activity being carried out is the use of poison, known as ‘nebulization’.

This work aims to reduce the spread of potentially infected adult mosquitoes. Poison can only be applied if a positive or suspected case is present in the specified area, i.e. it cannot be performed routinely. The use of the poison must be carried out in accordance with technical standards, to avoid harm to the environment and the resistance of Aedes aegypti to the active ingredient.

Recommendations

The recommendation to eliminate potential Aedes mosquito larvae is to keep trash cans covered, with plastic bags closed tightly. “Dry tires should be stored in a covered place. Bottles, jars, utensils, empty cans, and single-use buckets should be placed in the trash, empty and upside down, also in a covered place. Keep drains closed with little use, as well as a spoonful of detergent or powdered soap.” And repeat this treatment after every rain or when washing the backyard”, directive of the public authority.

Upon enquiry, the Sorocaba City Council informed that “preventive work has been intensified and the activity of the task force, which has three trucks for removing substances that can accumulate water and be potential mosquito breeding sites, has been intensified and implemented.” (Inaiê Mendonça – Internship Program)