Dengue fever cases continue to decline in Argentina: 353 deaths and more than 515,000 infections recorded

he Ministry of Health The latest data was released on injury Dengue fever in Argentina. “Cumulatively, they were notified from week 31 of 2023 — the end of July and beginning of August — to week 21 of 2024 — mid-May. 515,252 cases of dengue fever (95% local, 3% in research and 2% imported). 498,091 (97%) corresponds to the year 2024“, they reported.

“The cumulative infection rate for this season so far has reached 1,095 cases per 100,000 population. Of the total cases recorded during week 21 of 2024 (10,063), there are only 968 cases that correspond to the aforementioned epidemiological week according to the minimum date. During the same period, 1,193 cases were classified Severe dengue fever (0.23%) in 21 jurisdictions and registered 353 deaths In 18 jurisdictions with a The lethality rate so far is 0.069%. (343 cases dating back to the year 2024),” and they specified in Epidemiological bulletin on Viral disease It is transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti.

According to the document, “In a country-level analysis, A Decrease in the number of cases since 7 weeks “After the three weeks that witnessed the highest number of cases, between weeks 12 and 14, when an average of 59,212 cases were recorded per week.”

The health portfolio explained that the accumulated cases until week 21 of 2024 “represent 3.34 times what was recorded in the same period of the previous season – 2022/2023 – and 7.98 times what was recorded in the same period.” 2019/2020”.

Regarding the situation by region, they emphasized: “The highest cumulative infection rate so far is the NOA region with 1,960 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by the NEA region with 1,561, the Center with 1,057, and Cuyo with 284; The South has 47 cases per 100,000 people. Regarding the contribution of absolute cases, the Central Region contributed 62.1% of all reported cases, followed by the Nawa Regions with 22.6% and the Northeast Region with 13.2%, while the Cuyo and South Regions contributed 2.2%.

“This season, 3 serotypes have been identified so far prevalent in the country, with DEN-2 dominating, followed by DEN-1 (between which they account for more than 99.9% of cases) and a few DEN-1 cases.” -3″, and they indicated the serotypes of dengue virus.

They added: “181 cases of infection with serotypes DEN-1 and DEN-2 were detected, mainly in the central, NOA and NEA regions. Two cases correspond to deaths (in the provinces of Chaco and Salta).

Recently, as has been said informationThe Ministry of Health announced in a press conference What strategies would you use against dengue? And how he proposes In anticipation of the next outbreak eventually 2024-2025.

Minister Mario Russo organized the Contra plan with the support of Three basic pillarsFrom the experts of the National Committee for Immunization (Conine) and its scientific recommendations regarding the use of the available vaccine, epidemiological surveillance, etc.; On the other hand, tailored and specific work must be planned in each territory State authorities, which will receive transfers from the state – financial elements, for example through the SUMAR program – based on the achievement of objectives.

Russo also sat at the table Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) In its dual role as a trustworthy oversight body for local, regional and global public health matters as well as to ensure access to vaccines through the Revolving Fund.

At that time, in conversation with information, “We will start gradually and in phases – virtually,” Rousseau explained Starting August 2024– In endemic areas in the northeast of the country and the North African region, with dengue vaccination for young people aged 15 to 19 years, Which will be provided by the state. It will be a shared task with each jurisdiction and the alignment we achieve with experts.

The vaccine will not be part of the national vaccination calendar at this time. For Rousseau, the clarity of this is very important. In escalation On vaccination against dengue fever, to avoid misunderstanding of the term “vaccines for all” and, above all, “not to create false expectations in the population”.

Since the last meeting that led to Minutes of the National Committee on Immunization (CoNaIn) signed on April 11, 2024The National Health Portfolio has resolved the following:

• The available dengue vaccine – TAK-003, also known as Qdenga® – produced by the Japanese Takeda laboratory – Focused strategy. Currently, according to the epidemiological situation, It is not a vaccine to be included in the national calendar for all jurisdictions in the country.
• The target population for the vaccination rollout will be people aged 15 to 39 years Priority departments According to the epidemiological situation. Which endemic areas will we start in the northeast (Nia) And the northwest (no).
• he It will start in phases with a population of 15 to 19 years Progress will be made Dynamic, progressive and graduated depending on the availability of vaccines and strategies already implemented by jurisdictions.