Brazilian municipalities intensify dengue and arbovirus control measures

Municipalities in Brazil are intensifying efforts to combat arboviruses such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya, though local authorities face varying challenges in implementation.

In Votuporanga, São Paulo, health officials report that over 67% of targeted properties were either closed or residents refused entry to inspection teams between January and August 19. This resistance hinders vector control measures, including environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and the application of insecticides. To mitigate this, teams are attempting to visit neighborhoods during alternative hours and weekends.

In Ilhéus, the Municipal Health Secretariat has intensified insecticide applications using backpack sprayers in the Hernani Sá and Banco da Vitória neighborhoods. These actions aim to eliminate adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes following notifications of symptomatic individuals and confirmed cases of chikungunya. Local authorities are encouraging citizens to report standing water or vacant lots via the ‘Disque Dengue’ service.