Brazil reports surge in dengue cases and deaths in Minas Gerais and Paraíba

In Minas Gerais, the state health secretariat recorded 23,745 confirmed dengue cases and 18 deaths in the first weeks of 2026, a 12% rise in cases and a 28% increase in fatalities compared with the previous week. Probable cases reached 56,103. Chikungunya also grew, with confirmed cases climbing to 6,340, while Zika remained at low levels.

Paraíba reported 2,398 probable dengue cases, part of a total of 2,489 arboviral notifications that include 88 chikungunya and three Zika cases. The state confirmed its first dengue death, a young adult with comorbidities, and is investigating eight additional suspected deaths. Multiple dengue serotypes (DENV‑2, DENV‑3, and DENV‑4) were identified across municipalities. Health authorities have intensified vector‑control actions such as fogging, larvicide application, ovitrap deployment, and public awareness campaigns to curb Aedes aegypti breeding sites.