Medical Care in Foz do Iguaçu: Dengue Outbreak of 2024 and other health challenges

In the face of a concerning dengue outbreak in Foz do Iguaçu, with over 10,000 notifications and 1,280 confirmed cases in the new epidemiological year, the local government declared a State of Emergency on March, 2024. This alarming rise in cases has prompted both public and private healthcare services to bolster their assistance efforts, as the risk of healthcare facilities being overwhelmed looms large. The Municipal Health Secretary and the Epidemiological Surveillance team are at the forefront of this call to action, emphasizing the importance of organized care in handling the surge of dengue cases and emphasizing prevention measures.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. It's crucial to comprehend the nature of dengue, as its symptoms often mirror those of other common illnesses such as the flu or cold, making it a deceptive threat. Its manifestation can vary from mild to severe, including high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. The majority of cases follow a benign course, allowing for effective symptom management at home and enabling the monitoring for any need of further timely intervention. Understanding Dengue's basic characteristics is essential in the context of its outbreak, as it sets the stage for effective diagnosis and management.

The fight against Dengue has seen significant advancements with the development of vaccines aimed at preventing the disease. However, the most effective prevention method remains mosquito avoidance and the use of repellents, since other diseases can also be transmitted by Aedes, such as Zika virus and Chikungunya, that are present on Brazilian environment. Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using mosquito nets can also significantly reduce the risk of Dengue.

In areas experiencing a dengue outbreak, or where individuals have been exposed to risk factors like mosquito bites, it's critical to consider differential diagnosis. This medical process involves distinguishing Dengue from other diseases with similar symptoms, a task that requires extensive clinical knowledge, understanding of epidemiological risks, and the efficient use of diagnostic tests.

Diagnosing Dengue requires careful consideration of clinical history, including symptoms onset and travel history to areas known for Dengue and other outbreaks but luckly it can be done via Telemedicine, without the need to face hospitals. My Brazilian Doctor expertise plays a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, offering expertise in correlating symptoms with potential diseases and managing the necessary laboratory tests and treatments. With a doctor registered in Brazil, digital prescriptions can be provided and are valid at any pharmacy in Brazil for immediate access to medications.

Depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms, some tests may be recommended, including blood counts, dengue tests, and kidney function monitoring. In Brazil, these tests can be directly requested at laboratories with a medical order, and Dengue rapid tests are available at certain locations, providing results within minutes. My Brazilian Doctor assists clients in locating the nearest lab, sendind electronic medical request and managing the testing process, ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis.

The concept of coordinated care is crucial, especially in the face of complex epidemiological challenges like the current dengue outbreak in Brazil. It encompasses the continuity of care for infectious diseases, from requesting the appropriate lab tests to managing treatments that alleviate symptoms and protect the patient. This avoids hospital visits—often crowded and risky during high-demand periods—minimizing exposure to viruses like COVID-19, also prevalent currently.

As a provider of Family Medicine Services, My Brazilian Doctor excels in differentiating and addressing a wide array of conditions, ranging from tropical diseases and STDs to common ailments such as UTI, travellers diarrhoea, sore throats or conjunctivitis. It is always a convenient option, however, in situations with high hospitalar demand like Dengue outbreak, Telemedicine can be crucial.

This comprehensive care model allows for effective symptom management at home not only for Dengue but for other conditions, while also facilitating the monitoring for any need of further timely intervention.

My Brazilian Doctor provides easy booking for same day videoconsultations in English, essential support throughout this process, from identifying the need for hospitalization to facilitating communication with other healthcare services without delays, ensuring that foreign visitors receive the care they need, when they need it.