Awareness and control work against Aedes aegypti on roads is being carried out in SP state

The SP state government, the State Department of Health (SES) and the São Paulo State Transport Agency (Artesp) are developing measures to combat dengue and other diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, such as chikungunya and Zika. The main focus is to explain to users the importance of properly disposing of garbage when traveling on São Paulo’s highways, thus avoiding the spread of insect breeding sites.

As of December 9, 314,000 cases of dengue have been confirmed in 625 municipalities, with 281 deaths. Regarding chikungunya, there are 2,180 confirmed cases in 142 cities, with 12 deaths. São Paulo state also confirmed five cases of Zika virus in 2023.

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The highway campaign will include instructions on electronic highway signs spread over 11,100 kilometres.

Next Wednesday (13), teams from the concessionaires Tamoios, Rodovias do Tete and Colinas will carry out clean-up efforts to raise awareness among users not to throw garbage on the highways. During the operation, work will be strengthened to collect incorrectly disposed of materials on concessioned highways. In 2022, about 70 tons of garbage were collected from highways in one day of collective action during the campaign to combat dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

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Highway cleaning is an ongoing activity of concessionaires and aims to keep the highways clean and safe for users, so that garbage does not cause accidents or become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Recommendations for eliminating Aedes aegypti breeding sites:

• Get rid of plant dishes or use a dish close to the vase, which does not allow water to accumulate.

• Disposal of used tires at collection points at City Hall.

• Remove items from the yard that accumulate water, such as pots and bottles.

• Check for possible leaks in any water source.

• Covering drains.

• Always keep the toilet closed.

• Identify signs of moisture in gutters and shingles.

• Check for the presence of organisms in the water of swimming pools or ornamental fountains.

The Ministry of Health advises residents to seek health services at any sign or symptoms of dengue, chikungunya or Zika, such as body aches and fever. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases are provided comprehensively and free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS).