Global Courant
As happened with covid-19, with the dengue epidemic, carrying out sufficient diagnostic tests allows adequate epidemiological surveillance in the country, keeping a record of cases and being certain of the serotypes of the virus that circulate in a certain geographical area, in order to to establish actions to stop contagion.
The Ministry of Health reported a total of 23,727 cases in the country as of September 16, 11,464 more than those recorded as of August 31, when the authorities declared a Health Emergency through ministerial agreement number 258-2023.
There are 20,187 (85%) dengue without warning signs, with 3,394 (14%) with warning signs. 42 are reported due to severe dengue and 34 deaths. The authorities hope that the cases will stabilize, but the rains that have occurred are an obstacle.
Detection
The Guide for the Clinical Management of Dengue says that “laboratory tests are not necessary to begin the management of patients,” so the diagnosis of dengue is based on the symptoms that the person has.
Although the disease is complex in its manifestations, authorities have indicated that treatment is relatively simple and effective, as long as the correct and timely interventions are carried out.
The Department of Social Communication of the Ministry of Health confirms that dengue screening is only for epidemiological surveillance at the first and second level.