Dengue cases increased fourfold in Brazil in 2024 following the release of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes by the United Nations Global Mosquito Program.

In the first five weeks of 2024, more than 364 cases of dengue infection were reported, according to the country's health ministry, four times more than previous cases during the same period in 000.

The dramatic increase in dengue cases has prompted Brazil to purchase millions of doses of dengue vaccine.

“The rapid spread of dengue fever has caused 40 confirmed deaths,” the ministry said, “and another 265 cases are under investigation.

Brazil purchased 5,2 million doses of the Qdenga dengue vaccine, developed by Japanese drugmaker Takeda, and an additional 1,32 million doses were provided free of charge to the government, according to a ministry statement.

Three Brazilian states have declared emergencies, including the second most populous state, Minas Gerais, and the Federal District, where the capital Brasília is located, which is facing an unprecedented rise in infections.

Brasilia will begin vaccinating children aged 10 to 14 on Friday with Qdenga, the local government said on Wednesday.

Dengue cases in Brasilia since the start of the year have exceeded the total for all of 2023, with an infection rate of 1 cases per 625 inhabitants, while the national average is only than 100.”

The Guardian

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