The Ministry of Health of Entre Ríos warned that the eggs of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, transmitter of dengue, can survive low temperatures. For this reason, the health portfolio asked the community to reinforce the cleaning of spaces in which it can develop.
With the arrival of autumn and winter, it can be thought that the dengue mosquito could disappear due to the drop in temperatures. However, specialists warn that Aedes aegypti eggs can survive. Hence, it is essential to take extreme recommendations, especially the cleaning of surfaces and containers that retain water, where the mosquito breeds.
At this time of year, females lay eggs that remain viable in winter, until spring, even if the temperature is below zero. With the arrival of spring, these eggs are activated in an environment with enough water for the larvae to develop and continue the reproduction cycle.
In the case of Argentina, in addition to the rains, they favor longer summers and shorter winters, within the framework of this global climate change. Therefore, in the oscillating climatic context of hot and cold climates, the Ministry of Health of Entre Ríos urges not to lower our guard regarding dengue. The key is prevention; Therefore, in winter, it is time to control the eggs, by cleaning containers and eliminating any element that may retain water.
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READ MORE: Dengue: 2,072 new cases were reported in the last week
From the Zoonosis area they stated that dengue is here to stay. It doesn’t end with the cold. Even in provinces like Entre Ríos, temperatures are not recorded below 12 degrees, which is the range necessary for mosquitoes and larvae to disappear.
The mosquito can develop in the fall
“Climate change and the El Niño Phenomenon affect the reproductive cycle and proliferation of the vector”, indicated the head of the provincial Zoonoses and Vectors program, Jerónimo Garcilazo Amatti. That is why, beyond seasonality, it is recommended to take extreme recommendations all year round: remove junk, clean commonly used containers such as pet water bowls and vases; use insecticides and repellents; place mosquito nets on doors and windows.”
“Aedes aegypti is comfortable in temperate temperatures: neither extreme cold nor heat”, explained Garcilazo Amatti. In this sense, “the vector takes shelter among vegetation, plants, cool and dark places, such as patios or inside the home.”
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that “although the cycles accelerate in the summer, autumn temperatures are also appropriate for their reproduction and life cycle,” he added.
The mosquito seeks to feed in the early morning and evening hours. It must be remembered that the focus has to be on eliminating the accumulations of water where the mosquito deposits its eggs (which can survive from a year to a year and a half), and where the larvae develop.
It is essential to eliminate containers with water, without it the larva will not survive or thrive, and clean them properly if their use is required.
“The Aedes aegypti has two cycles, one aquatic in its egg and larva stage and another aerial, as an adult mosquito. “Care measures must be sustained all year round because due to climate change, winters are not sustainable.”, stated the specialist. In this sense, it is important to create the habit of once a week, whether it rains or not, checking the interior and exterior of the home, to clean possible mosquito breeding sites.
The risk is permanent and the best prevention is to commit to cleaning our homes and work areas. “The mosquito will always want to protect itself from the cold and feed itself, each of us has the possibility of not giving it room, in addition to using repellent, insecticides and mosquito nets,” recalled Garcilazo Amatti.
“We have to adapt to maintaining prevention measures throughout the year, as well as the commitment to continue removing junk in autumn and winter”he finished.
Data
The latest provincial epidemiological update reflects that from April 14 to 20, 2,072 new cases of dengue were reported in the data upload system, of which 739 had the onset of symptoms in the last week.
Likewise, the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health of Entre Ríos recalled that the peak of infections, according to the date of notification, occurred in epidemiological week 12 (which took place from March 17 to 23). Since then the number of infections has remained stable, even showing a slight decrease.
The Monitor allows us to observe that in the period from August 1, 2023 to April 21, 2024, the province registers a cumulative total of 16,131 reported cases. In the same period there have been 840 hospitalizations, of which 91 took place in the last week.
