Increase in concern about dengue in Patagonia following the detection of the Aedes mosquito.

Concerns about dengue in Patagonia have been increasing in recent times, especially since the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been detected in several localities in the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén. This mosquito, known for being the main vector of the dengue virus, has begun to expand its geographical distribution in a region where, until recently, the disease was considered foreign. Although no indigenous cases of dengue have been reported in these provinces so far, experts warn that current conditions could change rapidly. Since its re-emergence in 1998 in northern Argentina, dengue has been advancing southward, driven by climatic and environmental factors. Dr. Darío Vezzani, a researcher at Conicet and the National University of the Center, has emphasized that high temperatures favor the increase of Aedes mosquito populations. This phenomenon not only raises the likelihood of contagion but can also facilitate the circulation of the virus in new areas where it previously did not exist. Climate change is one of the main concerns in this context. Temperatures in Patagonia have been rising, opening the door to the possibility of the dengue virus establishing itself in the region. The interaction between infected individuals and local mosquitoes could trigger the indigenous transmission of the virus, which would pose a new challenge for public health in an area that has so far been relatively protected from this disease. Recent detections of the Aedes mosquito in the capital of Neuquén and in several localities in Río Negro are alarming signs. Since 2010, when its presence was first reported in Neuquén, surveillance has intensified. In 2023, mosquito eggs were found in ovitraps strategically placed to monitor their proliferation. Irene Roccia, director of the Zoonosis and Vectors Laboratory, clarified that although no indigenous cases have been recorded, the situation requires constant attention. Similarly, in Río Negro, the presence of the mosquito has been confirmed in several localities since 2020. The provincial Health Secretariat has been working to track and control the Aedes aegypti population, but experts warn that it is crucial to maintain vigilance and prevention in light of the possibility of an outbreak. To address this situation, a team of researchers has established a network of dengue experts in the southern border of Argentina. This network includes professionals from various institutions working on early detection and prevention of dengue in Patagonia. The goal is to create an alert system that allows for the identification of the mosquito's presence and any dengue cases in their initial phase, before they become a larger public health issue. Researchers suggest that it is vital to train health personnel in recognizing symptoms and managing cases. The symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, severe pain, and skin manifestations, must be recognized quickly to avoid complications. Educating the population about the importance of going to health centers upon the appearance of symptoms is fundamental in this effort. Furthermore, community-level prevention is crucial. Avoiding the accumulation of water in containers and other spaces where mosquitoes can breed is a task everyone can contribute to. Citizen participation is key to halting the expansion of the mosquito and, consequently, dengue. The situation in Patagonia regarding dengue is a call to action. The combination of a changing climate, the presence of the vector mosquito, and the possibility of imported cases requires both authorities and the population to remain alert. Public health in the region depends on a coordinated and effective response to this new reality that threatens to change the health history of Patagonia.