This alert is activated due to continued circulation in Latin America and increased notifications in Paraguay. Throughout this year, cocirculation of DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes has been identified in the country.

The Directorate General of Health Surveillance activated the epidemiological alert for dengue fever, due to increased notifications in the country and the continued circulation of the virus in the region.

Taking into account the warning issued by PAHO/WHO which states: “With the start of the largest dengue fever circulation season in the Southern Hemisphere, there is still viral activity in the Isthmus subregion of Central America and Mexico, as well as in South America. South identified serotypes, especially DENV-3, which had not circulated for several years.”

There are currently four dengue virus serotypes circulating in the region: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Until epidemiological week (EW) 45, simultaneous circulation of this serotype had been detected in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

Meanwhile in Paraguay, until now in 2023, cocirculation of DENV-1 and DENV-2 has been identified.

COUNTRY SITUATION

According to historical arbovirus data, Paraguay is in an epidemic period. Currently, there is a progressive increase in suspected dengue fever nationwide, with approximately 2,500 notifications registered in one week (EW 47).

Eleven departments in the country recorded an increase in dengue fever notifications: Asunción, Central, Caaguazú, Itapúa, San Pedro, Paraguarí, Cordillera, Pdte. Hayes, Ñeembucú, Guairá and Canindeyú.

Other departments are also not excluded from the potential risk of an outbreak considering the high mobility of society and the vulnerability of the entire population to the DENV-3 serotype.

Other factors that may influence the spread and increase in cases: climate change, increased rainfall and consequent ineffective vector control, the beginning of the holiday period, greater mobility or travel within and outside the country.