In August, 22 children died from dengue in Honduras. // Photo: EFE
August 23, 2024 Time: 09:39
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the reported deaths are primarily due to the negligence of the population.
Dr. Carla Paredes, the Health Secretary of Honduras, reported on Thursday that at least 137 deaths from dengue have been recorded in 2024 in the Central American nation, with 22 children succumbing to the disease in August alone.
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The official emphasized that out of more than 110,000 reported cases, the majority have been treated successfully. “We have saved more than 100,000 people due to timely intervention.” The minister urged individuals exhibiting dengue symptoms to promptly visit medical centers.
Paredes explained that there are “triage and stabilization centers across the country, in every municipality and larger villages. Hospitals are equipped to care for patients,” she added. She highlighted the critical importance of seeking medical attention early to avoid severe complications.
#Channel8 ||????️???? The secretary of @saludgobhn Carla Paredes informed Honduras about the dengue situation. She indicated that over 109,000 cases have been detected and although many have been saved, 137 Hondurans have died, which led to the implementation of the National Intervention Plan. pic.twitter.com/QV8j3zFwnB
— Canal 8 (@Canal8_hn) August 23, 2024
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the reported deaths so far are largely the result of the population’s neglect. Therefore, the minister clarified that the issue does not stem from a lack of resources, personnel, or infrastructure, but rather a perception of risk. “The problem lies in the lack of awareness about dengue symptoms and the urgency to seek medical care,” she stated.
The Ministry of Health’s bulletin reported that up to epidemiological week 30, 8,363 cases have been confirmed through laboratory tests, with 91,486 patients having recovered, while the weekly fatality rate stands at 0.12 percent. The agency announced that the country will receive at least 57,000 doses of a dengue vaccine in October.
#DigitalFacts ????️ The Undersecretary of Regulation of the #REGOROUS Brian Erazo reported that dengue cases have risen in the country.
????110 thousand confirmed cases have been recorded, of which 90 thousand have already recovered. pic.twitter.com/xtLrW6lpYv
— TV Azteca Honduras (@aztecahonduras) August 21, 2024
The most affected areas include the metropolitan regions of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, along with the departments of Cortés, Yoro, Colón, Atlántida, and Santa Bárbara. In Central America, Guatemala has reported 68,937 dengue cases, Nicaragua 55,542, Costa Rica 16,806, and Panama 16,149. Honduras is ranked fifth in terms of reported cases.
Author: teleSUR – rzr – SH
Source: Canal8_hn – aztecahonduras
Dengue Fever Outbreak in Honduras: Current Situation and Health Response
In August 2024, Honduras faced a severe dengue outbreak, with 22 children among the 137 reported deaths due to the mosquito-borne illness. This alarming situation has raised significant concerns regarding public health response and awareness among the population.
The Current Dengue Situation in Honduras
As of late August 2024, the Honduran Ministry of Health reported over 110,000 confirmed cases of dengue fever, underscoring the severity of the outbreak. With timely interventions, over 100,000 patients have successfully received treatment, although the death toll has continued to rise. The Health Secretary, Dr. Carla Paredes, emphasized that the primary cause of the fatalities is the population’s neglect in recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical assistance.
Statistics at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Deaths in 2024 | 137 |
| Total Confirmed Cases | 110,000+ |
| Total Recovered | 90,000 |
| Fatality Rate | 0.12% |
Regions Most Affected
The outbreak has primarily affected several key regions in Honduras, where public health resources are being strained. The most impacted areas include:
- Metropolitan area of San Pedro Sula
- Metropolitan area of Tegucigalpa
- Departments of Cortés, Yoro, Colón, Atlántida, and Santa Bárbara
Government and Health Response
In light of the outbreak, the Honduran government has initiated a National Intervention Plan aimed at combating the disease. Dr. Paredes assured citizens that there are triage and stabilization centers established across municipalities, ensuring that hospitals are equipped to handle the surge in dengue cases.
Key Points from the Health Secretary
- Immediate medical attention is crucial to preventing serious complications due to dengue.
- A total of 57,000 doses of a dengue vaccine are anticipated to arrive in October to further bolster preventive measures.
- Educational campaigns are necessary to improve the population’s awareness regarding recognition of symptoms and the importance of seeking early treatment.
Preventative Measures and Community Involvement
Recognizing the signs of dengue and taking preventative steps is essential in curbing the outbreak. Here are practical tips for the community:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s essential to remove any potential breeding grounds.
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help reduce the risk of bites.
- Educate Others: Share knowledge about dengue symptoms and prevention strategies within your community.
Importance of Early Medical Attention
Symptoms of dengue can vary from mild to severe and may include fever, rash, muscle and joint pains, and mild bleeding. More severe forms can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is life-threatening.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Bleeding tendencies (in severe cases)
Individuals showing signs of dengue are encouraged to seek medical help immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to saving lives.
International Comparison
Honduras ranks fifth in Central America for reported dengue cases. The current statistics for neighboring countries highlight the regional impact of dengue:
| Country | Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| Guatemala | 68,937 |
| Nicaragua | 55,542 |
| Costa Rica | 16,806 |
| Panama | 16,149 |
The increase in dengue cases across these nations highlights the importance of regional collaboration in controlling mosquito populations and enhancing preventive healthcare measures.
Conclusion
The ongoing dengue outbreak in Honduras reflects a critical public health challenge. With effective health responses and heightened community awareness, the hope is to mitigate the disease’s impact and protect the lives of vulnerable populations, especially children. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, recognize symptoms early, and seek help promptly to combat this preventable illness effectively.
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