Over 1,000 dengue cases confirmed at “D-Day” launch

June 25th, 2017 was the launch of “D-Day” in Panama, a campaign launched by the Ministry of Health (Minsa) to aid in the prevention of dengue, zika, and chikungunya.

With the opening day came a report of 1,036 confirmed cases of dengue throughout the country. Of that figure, 26.9% were detected in women and 23.64% in men. No deaths have been recorded. An additional 1,435, suspected cases have been reported, of which, 91, are categorized with ‘alarming’ signs and three are serious.

The “D-Day” campaign, focuses on measures to prevent the proliferation of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, responsible for viruses such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya. Deputy Minister of Health, Eric Ulloa, said that the fight against the mosquito is not only the task of Minsa, but of all institutions and individuals.  Ongoing work of reviewing yards and houses is being done in order to achieve the elimination of breeding grounds.

Last year, Minsa reported 3,327 confirmed cases of dengue throughout the country, of which 244 showed alarming signs, 14 were severe and 11 resulted in death.