Dengue Outbreak in Mato Grosso do Sul State: Record 8,187 Cases in 2025

Dengue Fever Cases Stabilize in Mato Grosso do Sul, Health Officials Urge Continued Vigilance

Campo Grande, Brazil – A potential turning point in the ongoing dengue fever epidemic has been observed in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, with recent data showing a stabilization in the number of confirmed cases. However, health officials are emphasizing that sustained preventative measures are crucial, especially with the anticipated arrival of the rainy season.

Current Situation: A slight Respite

As of Friday, October 17th, Mato Grosso do Sul has registered 8,187 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever this year. The latest epidemiological bulletin revealed an increase of only 15 cases during the 41st week of the year, suggesting a slowdown in the spread of the disease. Despite this positive trend, authorities are tempering optimism with a call for continued vigilance.

Warning Against Complacency

Maurício Simões, the State’s Undersecretary of Health, cautioned that a decrease in cases should not be misinterpreted as a sign that the threat has passed. “It’s this feeling that we have so few cases that people are letting their guard down about standing water,” Simões stated.he warned that fluctuations in rainfall could easily reverse the progress made, necessitating a renewed focus on mosquito control efforts.

Did You Know? Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. There is no specific medication to treat dengue infection.

Fatalities and Ongoing Investigations

Tragically, the state has confirmed 18 deaths attributed to Dengue Fever, with an additional seven cases currently under inquiry. The municipalities affected include Inocencia, Tres Lagos, Nuevo Andradena, Aquitoana, Dorados, Punta Pora, Coxim, Iguatemi, Paraños, Itaquiray, Agua Clara, Miranda, Aparecida do Taboado, ribas do Rio Pardo, and Campo. Authorities revealed that seven of the individuals who succumbed to the illness had pre-existing health conditions.

Factors Contributing to the decline

Several factors are believed to have contributed to the recent stabilization. These include a period of drought, the commencement of the state’s Dengue vaccination program, and the implementation of a program releasing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria in Campo Grande, which aims to reduce mosquito populations.

Vaccination Efforts

A total of 188,875 doses of the Dengue vaccine have been administered to date, targeting individuals aged 10 to 14 years, 11 months and 29 days. The state has received 241,030 doses from the Ministry of Health, with the vaccination schedule requiring two doses administered three months apart.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your property for standing water, even in small containers like flower pots and discarded tires. Eliminate these potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Metric	Value (October 19, 2025)
Confirmed Dengue Cases (2025)	8,187
Weekly Increase (Week 41)	15
Confirmed Deaths	18
Deaths Under Investigation	7
Vaccine Doses Administered	188,875

Looking Ahead

While the stabilization of Dengue Fever cases in Mato Grosso do Sul is encouraging, health officials are adamant that sustained preventative measures are essential to prevent a resurgence, particularly as the rainy season approaches. Continued vaccination efforts, combined with rigorous mosquito control programs, will be vital in protecting the population.

Dengue fever remains a significant public health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 50 to 100 million dengue infections occur each year. Effective prevention strategies,including mosquito control and vaccination where available,are crucial in mitigating the impact of this disease. The implementation of innovative approaches,such as the release of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes,holds promise for long-term control and prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dengue Fever

Have you taken steps to protect yourself and your family from Dengue Fever? What more can be done at a community level to address this ongoing health concern?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us spread awareness about Dengue Fever prevention!

What public health interventions could be implemented to reduce mosquito breeding sites in the most affected municipalities?

Current Situation & Case Breakdown (October 19, 2025)

Mato Grosso do Sul is currently experiencing a notable dengue fever outbreak, with a record-breaking 8,187 confirmed cases reported as of today, October 19, 2025. This represents a substantial increase compared to previous years, raising serious public health concerns. The surge in dengue cases is impacting multiple municipalities across the state, placing a strain on healthcare resources.

Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

* Total Confirmed Cases (2025): 8,187

* Most Affected Municipalities: Dourados, Campo Grande, Ponta Porã, and Corumbá are reporting the highest incidence rates.

* Severe dengue Cases: Approximately 5% of cases have progressed to severe dengue, requiring hospitalization.

* Suspected Cases Under Investigation: An additional 2,500 cases are currently under investigation by state health authorities.

* Age Groups Affected: While all age groups are susceptible, the highest incidence is observed in individuals between 20 and 49 years old.

Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms & Transmission

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.The primary vectors responsible for transmission in Mato Grosso do Sul are Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, even in small containers.

Common dengue symptoms include:

* High fever (40°C / 104°F)

* Severe headache

* Pain behind the eyes

* Muscle and joint pain (frequently enough debilitating – so the nickname “breakbone fever”)

* Nausea and vomiting

* Skin rash

* Mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)

severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can lead to:

* Plasma leakage

* Severe bleeding

* Organ impairment

* Shock

* Death

Factors Contributing to the Outbreak

Several factors are believed to be contributing to this unprecedented dengue epidemic in Mato grosso do Sul:

1. Climate change: Increased rainfall and warmer temperatures create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, extending the transmission season.
2. Urbanization & Poor Sanitation: Rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management contribute to the proliferation of breeding sites. Accumulation of discarded tires, plastic containers, and other materials holding water provide ample breeding grounds.
3. Mosquito Resistance: There is growing evidence of Aedes aegypti mosquito resistance to commonly used insecticides in certain areas of the state.
4. Population Movement: Travel and migration patterns can introduce the virus to new areas, accelerating its spread.
5. Limited Public Awareness: Insufficient public awareness regarding dengue prevention measures contributes to the problem.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Yourself & Your Community

Effective dengue control relies on a multi-pronged approach, focusing on both individual and community-level interventions.

* Eliminate Breeding Sites: Regularly empty and clean containers that hold water, such as flower vases, pet bowls, tires, and gutters.

* Personal Protection:

* Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).

* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

* Use mosquito nets, particularly while sleeping.

* Community involvement: Participate in community clean-up campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

* Window and Door Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

* Report Suspected Cases: Promptly report any suspected dengue fever cases to local health authorities.

Diagnostic Testing & Treatment Options

Early diagnosis and appropriate medical management are crucial for reducing the severity of dengue fever.

* diagnostic Tests: Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests, including:

* NS1 antigen test (detects the virus early in the infection)

* IgM and IgG antibody tests (detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus)

* PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test (detects the virus’s genetic material)

* treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever.Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:

* Rest

* Fluid intake (to prevent dehydration)

* Pain relievers (acetaminophen/paracetamol – avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risk)

* Hospitalization may be necessary for severe dengue cases to provide supportive care, including intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.

Recent Public Health Initiatives in Mato Grosso do Sul

The State Health Department has launched several initiatives to combat