MG has a record of a rare simultaneous infection with dengue and chikungunya; understand

A discovery that startled scientists while studying the genomic and epidemiological surveillance of dengue fever that it chikungunya In Brazil, the state of Minas Gerais is under a state of national alert. number of cases concurrent infectionThat is, when a patient is infected with both viruses at the same time, it jumps to the condition. From January to July this year, 11% of the miners had dengue and chikungunya viruses in their bodies. In the same period in 2022, the indicator reached 2-3%, which is still scarce.

The research was carried out in partnership between the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Hermes Bardini Laboratory/Grupo Flori, and analyzed positive diagnoses of dengue and chikungunya in 14 states of the country. However, the state of Minas Gerais is distinguished by its large numbers. By the end of July, chikungunya cases had increased nearly seven times, and dengue fever three times.

The alert was confirmed by the data of the epidemiological bulletin of the Ministry of Health of the State of Minas Gerais (SES-MG). The survey indicates that dengue cases jumped 351% in the state, from just over 60,000 infected at the end of August 2022 to nearly 275,000 in the same period this year. Even more surprising is the incidence of chikungunya: it increased by 1340%. Minas has already recorded nearly 66,000 infections in 2023 – and last year, there were just over 4,500 patients by the end of August.

According to infectious disease scientist Leandro Curie, the high transmissibility of chikungunya may be one reason why co-infection with viruses is more common. “The population of Minas Gerais is still susceptible to chikungunya. Until last year, we did not have high infection numbers. Through migration, this disease, which was more prevalent in the northeast, has reached the state. The more people infected, the greater the spread. “The virus, the infection cases have increased. So if we have dengue and chikungunya within close range, co-infection will be facilitated.”

The recent rainy season is also one of the factors that contributed to this result, according to Hermes Bardini/Grupo Florie R&D Coordinator Daniel Zaoli. “Precipitation rates were high at a time when the epidemic was over, with less prevention campaigns and mosquito control measures. We were relieved to be concerned about coronavirus. One person infected with dengue and chikungunya caused us surprise and anxiety, and should be avoided,” he warns.

How does dengue and chikungunya concurrent infection work?

Infectious disease scientist Currie explains that co-infection of dengue and chikungunya can occur in two ways, one more common and the other rarer. “It is not impossible that a mosquito transmits both diseases in one bite, although it is very rare. Of course, if it carries both viruses, it can happen.” Dengue and Chikungunya, and a person is infected twice by two different mosquitoes.

In these cases, a dual diagnosis becomes a challenge. “The symptoms of dengue and chikungunya are very similar. It is clinically difficult to distinguish between the two. Therefore, testing is very important, both for proper patient care and for disease surveillance. There are serological and molecular tests to detect dengue, chikungunya and Zika,” explains Coordinator Danielle. practice.

Associated infections can lead to health complications

Although they are similar diseases, there is something that distinguishes dengue from chikungunya. At the onset of symptoms, both suffer from malaise, high fever and body aches. However, as the disease progresses, the patient begins to present with various problems. “Dengue can further alter liver function, lower platelet levels, and has a higher mortality rate, meaning it generates more deaths. Chikungunya, on the other hand, leads to a significant infection of the joints that can disable a person for a few months, or Even years Chikungunya disease is characterized by leaving sequelae after the virus is cured, in contrast to dengue fever.

For this reason, depending on the defense status of a patient with both diseases, health complications may occur. He added, “The reaction of each one will depend on the state of infection and how vulnerable the patient is. It is possible for another patient to become infected, develop complications and die, while another patient with the same disease can recover. Of course, when we talk about co-infection, we tend to be more alarmed.” “.

risk all year round

As the hot and rainy period approaches, transmissions of arbovirus may increase further. But, according to coordinator Danielle Zauli, dengue and chikungunya no longer only occur in risk centres. “The seasons are not well defined anymore, we have injuries all year round, regardless of the season. This is also why vectors have to be treated throughout the year.

What does the Minister of State for Health say?

During a press event held on Friday (September 1), State Health Minister Fabio Macheretti commented that we are witnessing an epidemic year of dengue fever in Minas Gerais. He took the opportunity to announce two innovations in the fight against the disease. “We will launch a new drone policy next month. Municipalities with a population of 100,000 or those with a health union will have drones that can go to remote places and spray larvicides to avoid dengue,” he said.

McCarryty also mentioned that the Wolbachia Biofactory, a controller for arthropod viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya, will be ready next year. “We have a mosquito plant containing Wolbachia bacteria that is being built, and it will be ready in the middle of next year,” he declared. The works are taking place on a plot of land belonging to the state government located in the Gamelera neighborhood, in the western region of Belo Horizonte, and the construction value is more than 20 million Brazilian reals.

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