Lages, a city in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, is proactively bolstering its defenses against dengue fever. Recent municipal health initiatives have focused on intensified prevention efforts, with teams actively engaging in door-to-door visits and educational outreach across eleven neighborhoods. This heightened vigilance comes as other regions of Brazil grapple with increased cases of the mosquito-borne illness.
The municipality’s commitment to preventing the spread of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue, zika and chikungunya, has been a long-standing priority. For two decades, Lages has maintained a robust surveillance and control program, resulting in the identification of only 25 Aedes aegypti breeding sites, none of which developed into significant outbreaks, according to local officials. This success is attributed to a combination of proactive monitoring and swift response to potential threats.
The recent surge in activity, initiated on March 6, 2026, involves teams of Agents of Combating Endemics (ACEs) conducting home visits, providing guidance to residents on preventative measures, and inspecting potential breeding grounds. The neighborhoods targeted include Penha, São Miguel, Coral, Sagrado Coração de Jesus, Santa Maria, Jardim Panorâmico, and Jardim Cepar. These efforts aim to eliminate standing water sources where mosquitoes can reproduce.
A key component of the prevention strategy involves a network of 600 traps strategically placed throughout the urban area. These traps are regularly inspected and monitored to detect and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Particular attention is paid to locations known to accumulate stagnant water, such as tire shops, scrap yards, cemeteries, and flower shops. The teams, coordinated by Marcio Rodrigues, conduct weekly inspections of these areas.
Dengue Prevention and Vaccination Efforts
The city’s proactive approach extends to ensuring the health and safety of its own personnel. Agents of Combating Endemics participating in these actions have been vaccinated against dengue, reinforcing the protection of those directly involved in disease prevention. Vaccination is also available to professionals in Primary Health Care (APS) at the Central Immunization Center and in Health Basic Units (UBSs) with vaccination rooms. Currently, the vaccine is available to children and adolescents between 10 years and 14 years, 11 months and 29 days, with the goal of expanding protection and reducing cases within the municipality.
Aedes aegypti, often referred to as the Egyptian mosquito, is a globally invasive species originating in North Africa. Recognizable by its distinctive black and white markings on its legs and a lyre-shaped marking on its thorax, the mosquito thrives in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. The female mosquito requires blood to mature its eggs, making it a vector for several serious diseases, including dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya, according to the World Health Organization.
Lages’ Success in Dengue Control
The municipality of Lages continues to stand out as one of the few cities in Santa Catarina without registered cases of dengue. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing surveillance and control measures implemented by the local health authorities. The Secretaria Municipal da Saúde – Santa Catarina emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and community participation in maintaining this positive outcome.
Despite the success, officials recognize that dengue remains a significant public health challenge. The ongoing prevention efforts are crucial to maintaining Lages’ status as a dengue-free zone and protecting the health of its residents. The city’s strategy focuses on early detection, rapid response, and community engagement to minimize the risk of outbreaks.
Looking ahead, the municipality plans to continue its intensified prevention program, adapting its strategies based on ongoing monitoring and surveillance data. Continued community involvement and adherence to preventative measures will be essential in sustaining Lages’ success in combating dengue fever.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
