Brazil breaks record for dengue deaths in 2023

Brazil set a record for dengue deaths in 2023. Data released by the Ministry of Health reveal 1,079 deaths from the disease had been recorded by Wednesday (Dec. 27).

In the time series reported, the highest number of deaths in a full year occurred in 2022: 1,053. This was followed by 2015, with 986.

When asked about the record, ministry officials said that, given the expected increase in cases, around 11,700 health professionals were trained in 2023 for clinical management, surveillance, and control of arboviruses, which are infections caused by viruses transmitted mainly by mosquitoes.

“The Ministry of Health will invest BRL 256 million in bolstering surveillance of arboviruses. The time has come for everyone to step up efforts and take preventative measures to reduce the transmission of these diseases. To prevent cases from worsening, people should seek the nearest health service when the first symptoms appear,” the note reads.

Also according to the ministry, the dengue vaccine was incorporated into the national public health network, SUS, on December 21. However, it will not be used on a large scale at first, as Takeda, the manufacturing laboratory, has stated it has a limited capacity to supply doses. Vaccination will be focused on priority groups and regions, with the definition of strategies scheduled to take place early in January.