Rio de Janeiro has declared a public health emergency due to an outbreak of mosquito-borne dengue fever, just days before the Carnival celebrations begin. The city has announced the opening of 10 care centers, the creation of an emergency operations center, and the allocation of hospital beds for dengue patients. Additionally, authorities will be using ‘smoke cars’ in regions with the highest incidence of cases, diffusing insecticide in the air.

Since the beginning of 2024, the municipality has recorded more than 10,000 dengue cases, nearly half of the total cases in 2023. With tourists and revelers pouring into Rio for the festivities, the city is taking special measures to contain the illness, including the distribution of repellents, stickers, bandanas, and hats with warnings about the disease.

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, is more common in tropical climates. The frequent rains and high temperatures in Rio make the city susceptible to dengue outbreaks. However, the issue is not limited to Rio, as dengue cases have surged across Brazil, leading several states to declare public health emergencies.

The Brazilian air force has set up a 60-bed field hospital in the Federal District to begin treating patients, aiming to relieve emergency care units in the region. The outbreak is not expected to disrupt the Carnival, but the city’s proactive approach and measures are crucial in addressing the dengue fever threat.