In a concerted effort to combat the rising incidence of dengue fever in Puerto Vallarta, the VIII Sanitary Region has issued a call to action for local citizens and businesses. With over 30,000 hectares already treated in six comprehensive sweeps, the need for additional vehicles to speed up the fogging process has become critical. Call: 322 222 1104
As of epidemiological week 28, Puerto Vallarta has recorded 127 confirmed cases of dengue, prompting health officials to seek further assistance. The director of the VIII Health Region, Jaime Álvarez Zayas, emphasized the urgent requirement for more vans to transport thermo-fogging machines, which are essential for combating the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary carrier of the dengue virus.
Álvarez Zayas has appealed to various institutions, sectors, and authorities to lend at least three or four additional vans to facilitate the nightly fogging operations. He highlighted that the vehicles are only needed for a few hours during the night or early morning, ensuring minimal disruption to any company’s productive schedule.
The fogging operations are most effective at night, early morning, and dawn, aligning with the activity patterns of the dengue-transmitting mosquitoes. This nocturnal strategy targets adult mosquitoes when they are most active, thereby reducing the likelihood of dengue transmission.
To date, the health region has successfully fogged around 30,000 hectares within the municipality through six extensive sweeps. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to contain and reduce the spread of dengue.
As of July 13, the health region has reported a total of 143 dengue infections during epidemiological week 28. Of these, 137 cases are from Puerto Vallarta, with additional cases reported in neighboring areas: 8 in Cabo Corrientes, 5 in Talpa de Allende, and 3 in Tomatlán.
Community Involvement Crucial
Álvarez Zayas underscores the importance of community involvement in this public health initiative. By lending vehicles for a few hours at night, citizens and businesses can play a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to mitigate the dengue outbreak. This collaboration not only supports the health sector but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
