​02/09/2019

Press Bulletin No. 020, 2019

- Juan Pablo Uribe, Minister of Health, said that intersectoral work and decided citizen participation are required to avoid the spread of the transmitter mosquito.

February 9, 2019. The country is still in time to contain a possible dengue epidemic if all entities work in an interdisciplinary manner to take the preventive actions necessary, and if the citizens adopt preventive measures to prevent the spread of the mosquito that transmits the virus.

Juan Pablo Uribe, Minister of Health and Social Protection, said that in January alone, 6,310 cases of this disease were reported in the country, while there were 44,825in 2018. It would be safe to anticipate an increase for this year.

"Starting last October, we set off the alarms because we began to register more cases than expected, which, in addition, will increase in 2019 due to the El Niño phenomenon since this year is part of the inter-epidemic cycle in the country, which occurs every three years. The projections allow us to estimate that about 120,000 events will occur," Minister Uribe said at the launch of the 'Cut Off Dengue's Wings' campaign, aiming for all Colombians to be alert to this disease and adopt prevention mechanisms.

He added that the analyses have been able to establish that there are concurrently four types of dengue, a fact which increases the number of potential cases and if actions are not taken to prevent the disease, severe clinical conditions, and even deadly cases, could occur.

"We must anticipate efforts from the national, province and municipal governments to stop the advance of the disease. It is also vital that each citizen take the measures required to reduce the number of cases and their complications. It is also necessary to increase timely diagnosis and citizen pedagogy actions, and that is why we have launched this campaign, so that among all we cut off dengue's wings," said Uribe.

For her part, Martha Ospina, Director of the National Institute of Health (INS), said that it is the right time for Colombia to conduct interventions aimed at avoiding an epidemic of the magnitude of 2010, when there were 157,000 cases.

"Starting epidemiological week 40 in 2018, which is in October, we set off the alarms and we are now working together with the Ministry so that the number of cases does not get out of control," said Director Ospina.

Iván Darío González, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Services, insisted on the need for all Colombians to apply preventive measures against the mosquito transmitting the disease from reproducing, and biting them.

"It's the most effective way to avoid an epidemic," Deputy Minister Gonzalez said. "It is also important that, when facing any of these symptoms, fever and general discomfort, possible red eyes, pain in the bones and eventual bleeding, you should consult a doctor."

Prevention measures

• Store water properly, using lids.
• Avoid accumulation of objects in yards or lots.
• Turn over or remove containers that may accumulate water; do not allow water to be stored in any object or puddle.
• Clean places frequently where water is deposited such as roofs, grates and drains.
• Clean tanks daily and keep them covered.
• Protect yourself from bites with repellents and use mosquito nets.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
• Wash your hands frequently and use sunscreen.

Tips​

• The management of dengue is symptomatic. There is no specific medication for this virus.
• Always consult a health professional. Unlike other febrile syndromes, the patient's hydration is crucial (inadequate hydration increases the possibility of progressing to severe dengue).
• Dengue does not have an approved vaccine.
• It affects more children under 5 years old and over 65 years.
• It is a mosquito that bites during the day and lives mainly in buildings.