São Bernardo Bolsters Dengue Fight with Door-to-Door Visits and Cutting-Edge Technology
São Bernardo do Campo is intensifying its efforts to combat dengue fever, deploying teams of health agents for door-to-door inspections and embracing innovative technologies like larval dispersal stations. The proactive approach, already recognized regionally and statewide, aims to curb mosquito breeding grounds and protect residents.
Year-Round Vigilance, Post-Carnival Focus
Agents from the Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ) and the city’s 35 Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs) are conducting visits throughout the week, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. These teams are easily identifiable by their vests and badges. According to Ronaldo Novaes de Souza, coordinator of the CCZ’s combat teams, the increased activity following the Carnival holiday is strategically timed. “Many people traveled during this period, and given the mosquito life cycle of about a week, this is a crucial time to identify and eliminate potential breeding sites,” he explained.
The focus remains on educating residents about eliminating standing water – a prime breeding ground for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Agents are advising residents to remove water from plant saucers, securely cover water tanks, and dispose of containers that can collect rainwater, such as bottles and tires.
Public-Private Partnership is Key
Jean Gorinchteyn, Secretary of Health for São Bernardo, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Our ACSs and ACEs play a fundamental role in raising awareness. They are on the ground, engaging with people, and I urge residents to welcome them into their homes. They are there to help, guide, and protect our community from this disease,” he stated.
Residents can report potential mosquito breeding sites or seek further information by calling 0800 0195565.
Vaccination Efforts Expand
Dengue vaccination is available at all UBSs in São Bernardo. The vaccine is currently offered to children and adolescents aged 10 to 14. Information on UBS locations and operating hours can be found at https://portalsaude.saobernardo.sp.gov.br/portaldasaude/ubs. A vaccine from the Butantan Institute is similarly available for healthcare professionals working in primary care.
Innovative Technology: EDLs to Disrupt Mosquito Life Cycle
São Bernardo will soon deploy 4,722 Estações Disseminadoras de Larvicida (EDLs) – larval dispersal stations – received from the Ministry of Health. These stations, developed and approved by Fiocruz, have demonstrated a 96-98% reduction in adult mosquito emergence in other cities where they’ve been implemented.
EDLs contain water and a mesh with larvicide. Female mosquitoes that lay eggs in the water become contaminated, and the larvicide is then spread to other breeding sites, preventing larval development. The stations will be strategically placed and monitored monthly.
Future Trends in Dengue Prevention
The Rise of Precision Mosquito Control
São Bernardo’s adoption of EDLs signals a broader trend toward precision mosquito control. Instead of widespread insecticide spraying, which can harm beneficial insects and contribute to resistance, cities are increasingly turning to targeted interventions. This includes using geographic information systems (GIS) to map mosquito breeding sites and deploying larvicides only where needed.
Leveraging Data Analytics and AI
Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to revolutionize dengue prevention. AI algorithms can analyze climate data, population movement patterns, and historical dengue case data to predict outbreaks and optimize resource allocation. This allows health officials to proactively target interventions and minimize the impact of the disease.
Community-Based Surveillance and Citizen Science
Engaging citizens in surveillance efforts is another emerging trend. Mobile apps and online platforms allow residents to report potential breeding sites and track mosquito populations. This crowdsourced data can supplement traditional surveillance methods and provide a more comprehensive picture of the dengue risk.
The Potential of Wolbachia Bacteria
Wolbachia bacteria, which naturally infect mosquitoes, are showing promise as a biological control agent. Mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia are less able to transmit dengue virus. Releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into the wild can gradually reduce the mosquito population’s ability to spread the disease. This approach is being tested in several countries with encouraging results.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I suspect a mosquito breeding site on my property?
A: Report it to the city by calling 0800 0195565.
Q: Is the dengue vaccine available to everyone in São Bernardo?
A: Currently, the vaccine is available for children and adolescents aged 10-14 and healthcare professionals in primary care.
Q: What are EDLs and how do they work?
A: EDLs are larval dispersal stations that release larvicide into water sources, preventing mosquito larvae from developing.
Q: Where can I find more information about dengue prevention?
A: Visit the Portal da Saúde – São Bernardo do Campo at https://portalsaude.saobernardo.sp.gov.br/portaldasaude/
Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your home and yard for standing water, even in tiny containers. A bottle cap filled with water can be enough for mosquitoes to breed!
Stay informed and proactive in protecting yourself and your community from dengue fever. Share this article with your neighbors and help spread awareness!
