Paraguay: 6 COVID-19 cases reported, Let’s not forget about dengue

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

COVID-19

Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni confirmed the sixth case of COVID 19 infection in Paraguay Friday. People who had contact with the one who was infected by the patient who arrived from Ecuador will also be evaluated by health professionals from the General Directorate of Health Surveillance, according to the established protocol, Mazzoleni said.

Of these 119 under observation, 12 have symptoms and are still under surveillance to confirm or rule out new cases. The rest are in follow-up and without symptoms.

Among the decisions made by the National Government, it is established that from 00.00 on Saturday flights from Europe will be suspended, particularly those that cover the Asunción-Madrid route and travelers will be isolated until the effective date of said provision.

Regarding the working hours for public officials, the presidential decree establishes that the activities will go from 09:00 to 14:00, to reduce crowding in public transport, except for essential services, such as emergencies, hospitalizations and the hospitals.

The Minister of Health also announced that toll-free line 154 will come into operation, which will be strengthened with more than 20 human resources that will be dedicated to providing a response to citizens.

Let’s not forget about dengue

In a follow-up on the large dengue outbreak in Paraguay, UN health officials are putting the dengue fever case count in Paraguay at 184,434 total cases and 46 deaths through the first week of March.

This compares with 292 dengue cases reported during the first 10 weeks of 2019. Fortunately, health officials report dengue is on the decline.

Only Brazil has reported more cases in the Americas this year to date (337,243).

Health officials warn the Aedes aegypti mosquito is still with us, that is why it is important not to let our guard down before Dengue and continue with the prevention tasks in homes, taking into account that Paraguay is an endemic country of the disease, that is, there is circulation of the virus throughout the year.

Faced with the COVID19 threat, the inter-institutional environmental mingas were postponed and SENEPA’s own activities continue to mitigate the impact of arboviruses, which are house-to-house raking and chemical blockages.

Likewise, it is important to take into account the following self-care recommendations when eliminating mosquito breeding areas:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after the activity. Don’t forget to apply repellent according to the directions on the product.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth during hatchery destruction.

3. Do not share drinks, including mate and tereré, with the people who are part of the preventive actions in your home.

If you present symptoms of respiratory symptoms; If you find yourself in isolation or if you are part of the population at risk (over 60 years old or with pre-existing diseases), ask your family members to help you with daily vector control.

Let’s take advantage of these days at home to mitigate Dengue.

Chagas in Black and White