Dourados reports 17 chikungunya deaths, launches flu vaccination day

The municipality of Dourados, Brazil, confirmed two additional deaths from complications of chikungunya, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to 17. Eleven of the deaths were among indigenous residents of the Jaguapiru and Bororó villages. Health officials reported 9,976 notifications, 4,822 confirmed cases and a positivity rate of about 50%, well above the World Health Organization’s 5% control threshold. Hospital admissions for severe cases have dropped from a peak of 52‑58 to 13 currently, but the virus continues to circulate intensely.

The city also organized a "Day D" flu vaccination event on Saturday, offering free influenza shots from 13:00 to 21:00 at the Seleta health post to improve coverage during the winter season. Citizens were urged to bring identification and vaccination records. Health secretary Márcio Figueiredo warned, “The number of mosquito breeding sites has decreased, but the population cannot let its guard down. It is essential to eliminate any standing water at homes, yards and vacant lots.”