Betim begins surveying the incidence of Aedes aegypti

Betim City Hall begins, on Monday (16), the rapid index survey of Aedes aegypti (LIRAa) for October. The research work, which continues until the 31st, allows us to understand the invasion scenario of mosquitoes that transmit the arthropod viruses dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever in the municipality.

About 8,000 properties across the city will receive visits from Endemic Disease Control Agents (ACEs), who will collect samples of mosquito larvae for analysis. The LIRAa result will guide the next actions to control and eliminate the problem Aedes aegypti In Betim.

According to the National Dengue Control Program of the Ministry of Health, LIRAa should be performed three times a year, in the months of January, March and October. This method allows you to quickly identify, through sampling, the percentage of areas in cities with the highest mosquito larval infestations and the types of breeding sites that are prevalent.

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The survey conducted in January this year showed that 96% of the world’s outbreaks Aedes aegypti They are inside homes. The city’s building infestation index (IIP) was 4.3%, meaning that out of every 1,000 properties surveyed, 43 had a mosquito infestation. This indicator was the second highest recorded in the last ten years in January, and indicates a high risk of outbreaks of the three diseases in Betim.

Epidemiological data

As of September 2023, 10,584 probable cases of dengue have been recorded, including confirmed cases and those under investigation, and one death resulting from the disease. As for chikungunya, 1,343 probable cases and two deaths have been recorded. There are no recorded Zika cases in the municipality in 2023.

In 2022, 268 cases of dengue fever, 15 cases of chikungunya, and no cases of Zika virus were confirmed in Betim. In 2021, there were 185 confirmed cases of dengue. No cases of Zika and chikungunya viruses have been recorded.

Control procedures

Throughout the year, Betim City Council implements several measures to prevent arboviruses and control their spread Aedes aegypti. In addition to educational campaigns and promotion of urban clean-up measures, ACEs conduct routine home visits to inspect properties and provide guidance to residents.

As a result of LIRAa, the city council intensified control measures in neighborhoods with the highest infection rate. The joint efforts are being implemented with the participation of teams from the Center for the Control of Zoonoses and Endemic Diseases (CCZE), the Regional Administration and Betim Construction, Works, Services, Projects, Transport and Traffic (Ecos). ACEs are enhancing home inspections in the most infected areas. Social mobilization measures are also being implemented.

He added: “The city council is in the process of cleaning and eliminating the insect’s breeding places, but it is unable to combat it alone. Most containers containing larvae are easy to dispose of and have indoor properties. Therefore, it is up to the residents to clean their homes, remove useless things and tightly cover things that can accumulate stagnant water,” highlights the municipal health surveillance director, Fabia Arian e Fonseca.

To request a visit from ACEs or report locations with focus on them Aedes aegyptiCitizens can contact CCZE by phone 3594-5424 or via WhatsApp message on the number (31) 99928-2277.

Vacant lots must be kept clean, fenced, mowed and sidewalked by their owners. In the event of violations, the Environmental Inspection Department can be reported by calling 3163-3512.

*With information from PMB