A total of 5,012 cases of events of interest in public health have been notified during 20245 in Casanare, as revealed by the Epidemiological Surveillance Committee – COVE. Of these, 216 (4.3%) were notified in epidemiological week 23.
During this week, the first three notification places were occupied by dengue events, gender and domestic violence, and attacks by animals potentially transmitting rabies.
Regarding collective events, a total of 20,887 consultations have been attended to in the outpatient, hospitalization and emergency services: 13,546 (64.4%) for acute respiratory infection and 7,431 (35.6%) for acute diarrheal disease. In week 23, 4.8% (998/20,887) of these consultations were attended: 696 (69.7%) for acute respiratory infection and 302 (30.3%) for acute diarrheal disease.
Until epidemiological week 23 of 2024, 45.6% (2,287/5,012) of the reported cases are due to dengue: 727 cases with alarm signs, 17 cases of severe dengue and 5 cases of mortality due to dengue (one confirmed and four in study). The department’s notification rate is 475.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassed by the municipalities of Paz de Ariporo, Chámeza, Tauramena, Támara, Hato Corozal and Nunchía.
In second place, in case notification, is the event of attacks by animals potentially transmitting rabies, which accounts for 17.5% (829/5,012) of the cases reported in the department, with a notification rate of 174.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This value is surpassed by Monterrey, San Luis de Palenque, Aguazul, Tauramena, Chámeza and Maní.
Gender and domestic violence, in third place, accounts for 10% of the reported cases, with a notification rate of 107.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassed by San Luis de Palenque, Támara, Villanueva, Pore, Trinidad, Hato Corozal, Sácama, Maní and Recetor. It should be noted that, during 2024, La Salina has not reported cases.
Considering that gender and domestic violence is in third place and suicide attempts are in fourth place with 110 cases, they belong to the group of events of interest in public health called Mental Health and External Injuries.
Recommendations to protect mental health
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Take care of the quality of sleep.
Keep your mind busy.
Allow yourself to experience all the emotions.
Establish goals and priorities.
Learn to manage stress.
Reserve moments to relax.
Reduce time spent on electronic devices.
Relate with others.
Ask for help when necessary.
Acute respiratory infections
In addition, the Departmental Secretariat of Health maintains the health emergency due to dengue and reminded the community, in the face of the emergency due to the winter wave, the importance of maintaining prevention and protection measures to avoid diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infections:
Wear face masks in closed spaces, especially in gardens, schools and geriatric centers.
Persistently clean and disinfect home and work surfaces.
Adopt good hygiene practices.
Keep the influenza and COVID-19 vaccination schedule up to date.
Vector-borne diseases (dengue, Chagas, malaria, leishmaniasis)
Cover containers with water, eliminate trash accumulated in patios and outdoor areas, and store tires indoors.
Frequently change the water in animal drinkers and vases.
Use repellents and appropriate clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long pants).
Use mosquito nets on beds, especially for sick patients or where children sleep.
Wash and brush tanks and pools, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Participate in community rubbish collection and cleaning days.
Food or Waterborne Diseases (hepatitis A, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, cholera)
Ensure the supply of safe water for consumption (boil it for 5 minutes).
Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating.
Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
Keep food well covered and refrigerated.
Eat well-cooked and hygienically prepared foods.
Diseases Transmitted by Rodents (leptospirosis)
Prevent rodent access to houses and buildings (cover holes).
Do not place baits with rodenticides inside the home.
Store food in safe places, out of the reach of rodents.
Do not sweep or vacuum places contaminated by rodents.
Weed and clean the perimeters of homes.
Snake bites (snake accidents)
Wear long pants and high boots when going out into the countryside.
Avoid approaching snakes and make sudden movements if it is not possible to get away in time.
Do not touch snakes, even if they appear motionless.
Do not lift stones or logs without protection, or put hands or feet in holes, tree holes, caves, nests and abandoned hearths.
Maintain the peri-domiciliary space with short, clean grass, free of weeds and debris that attract rodents.
The Ministry of Health thanked the community for its collaboration and commitment to the prevention and control of these diseases.
