Coma explained that the measure will be in force for three months and entails the implementation of fumigations to eradicate the mosquito that transmits dengue. He also foresees the increase in care in hospitals, among other actions that involve various public and private institutions.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, between January and August, 22 deaths from dengue have been reported in the country. In addition, 12,263 cases, 152% more than the same period last year.
“We must be working in a coordinated manner because we not only have to address promotion, prevention, but we also have to manage the crisis caused by this epidemic,” Coma added.
The undersecretary of Civil Protection, Walter Monroy, indicated that as the second stage of the rainy season (September and October) approaches, mosquito “breeders” may increase as the water remains stagnant.
“The importance of this intervention and this inter-institutional coordination is to prevent the current cases from increasing,” Monroy said.
The historical maximum of dengue in Guatemala was registered in 2019 when there were more than 50,000 cases, according to official statistics.
What causes dengue disease?
Dengue is an endemic disease in tropical areas that causes high fevers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and, in the most severe cases, bleeding that can cause death.