Lucas do Rio Verde, a bustling city in Mato Grosso, Brazil, has seen a worrying spike in dengue and chikungunya cases. In 2025, there were 1,588 notifications of dengue, with 268 confirmed cases, and 1,769 chikungunya notifications, resulting in 808 positive diagnoses. This sharp contrast to 2024, which had only 464 dengue notifications and just 11 for chikungunya, raises alarm about public health.
Rita Tonhi, the coordinator of Epidemiological Surveillance, highlights a critical issue: most of the mosquito breeding sites are found in residential areas. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting diseases like dengue and chikungunya, thrives in stagnant water. Common breeding grounds include old tires, plant pots, and even gutters.
“It’s vital for residents to recognize that they may have these breeding sites right in their own yards,” Tonhi stresses. Keeping yards clean can drastically reduce the mosquito population.
The local government is taking action. They have employed technology such as georeferencing to identify problem areas more precisely and drones to reach hard-to-access places. These tools allow for more effective pest control measures. However, Tonhi notes that when community health agents visit homes, many people do not respond, complicating efforts to combat mosquito infestations.
Public engagement is crucial. Residents are encouraged to report any suspected breeding sites by contacting the Epidemiological Surveillance hotline at (65) 3548-2508 or the Municipal Ombudsman at 0800 646 4004. All reports are acted upon.
In light of recent trends, experts point to the need for a holistic approach to managing mosquito populations. According to the World Health Organization, effective vector control relies on community participation and proper sanitation. This is echoed in Lucas do Rio Verde, where local efforts are strengthened through awareness campaigns and community involvement.
With around 84,000 residents, Lucas do Rio Verde plays a significant role in Brazil’s agricultural landscape, located about 220 miles north of Cuiabá. As the population grows, the threat of vector-borne diseases becomes more pressing, making community cooperation essential for public health.
In summary, everyone has a part to play in fighting these diseases. Simple actions at home can lead to a healthier community and reduce the risk of outbreaks.
