The emergency care units of Trapiche da Barra and Benedito Bentes, both located in Maceió, have seen a huge demand for care in recent weeks after the surge in people diagnosed with flu and dengue symptoms. Benedito Bentes UPA had 367 cases of dengue fever in April. This represents an increase of 753% compared to the previous month in which 43 patients experienced the same symptoms.

At UPA Trapiche da Barra, in turn, the data shows a growth of 600%, from nine visits in March to 63 in April. As for influenza syndromes, attendance during this period increased by 39% in UPA Trapiche da Barra and 23% in Benedito Bentes.

Service waiting time is affected by residents’ demand. “We are operating above the installed capacity in both units. Therefore, even with full teams, at times, we have recorded a longer waiting time for care than observed on normal days,” explained José Maria Filho, technical supervisor for ISAC, the social organization that manages these two areas. .

Is it dengue fever or influenza syndrome?

Influenza syndrome and dengue fever are two different diseases. However, they can have similar symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and pain in the muscles and head area. This shows how important a medical evaluation is. Mosquito control is one of the most tangible forms of prevention of dengue fever. For example, avoiding standing water in backyard pots, gutters, and bottles is a breeding ground for insects. Thus, in addition to mosquito control measures by public bodies, it is essential that the population does its part.

Monitor and avoid places inside homes where stagnant water accumulates and leads to Aedes aegypti infestations. On the other hand, flu syndromes can be avoided through hand hygiene and modern vaccinations, using a face mask in a closed environment and performing nasal hygiene daily and covering the airways when coughing and sneezing are among the main prevention measures.

Epidemic risk

The nearly 500% increase in potential dengue cases in Alagoas in the first four months of 2022, compared to the same period last year, has put four municipalities in Alagoas at risk of an epidemic and another five in the state. On alert. These cities are located in all regions of the state. Data are from the State Department of Health (Sesau-AL), released Friday (6) by TV Gazeta.

In the first four months of this year, Alagoas, according to Sisao, recorded 2,252 cases of dengue, a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In the same period in 2021, the number of cases was almost seven times lower, 438. The Ministry of Health reports 2,870 cases between January and April this year and 421 cases in the same period in 2021.

According to Sissau, of the 102 municipalities in Alagoas, four are suspected of dying from the disease: Arabiraca, Ipatiguara, Maceio and Colonia Leopoldina. Four others are at risk of an epidemic, if the numbers are not controlled: Matriz do Camaragibe – which appears in the first place with 254 cases -, Branquinha (101), Barra de São Miguel (71) and Porto de Pedras (28). Five others are on alert: Atalaya, Marechal Deodoro, Uniao dos Palmares, Olivinca and Coprangolo.