The Ministry of Health of Jujuy has issued a reminder to the public about the importance of daily “descacharrado,” or removal of unused containers, as an effective measure against the spread of dengue. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, tends to live and breed in homes and surrounding areas such as patios and gardens.
The mosquito adapts its life cycle to human activity and uses any rigid container that can hold water to lay eggs. These eggs develop into larvae and then new adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue within days.
To prevent dengue, health officials recommend eliminating all potential breeding sites for the mosquito inside homes and outdoor spaces. They advise discarding unused containers like cans, bottles, tires, toys, sheets of metal, small pools, and tanks that may collect water. It is also suggested to turn over objects left outside that could fill with rainwater, such as buckets or basins. Animal drinking bowls should be emptied and refilled daily; flower vase water should be replaced with damp sand.
Other recommendations include cleaning air conditioner drain collectors and gutters regularly and covering tanks used for collecting water. Land plots, gardens, and patios should be cleared of weeds.
For protection from mosquito bites, authorities advise using repellents according to label instructions. People are encouraged to wear light-colored clothing that covers arms and legs when working or spending time outdoors. Installing screens on doors and windows as well as using netting for baby cribs or strollers is recommended. Where possible, rooms should be ventilated with fans or air conditioning; environmental repellents like tablets or coils may also be used.
Dengue symptoms include a fever above 39.5 degrees Celsius; pain behind the eyes, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; severe fatigue; skin rashes; itching; nosebleeds or gum bleeding.
In case these symptoms appear, health officials emphasize: “The most important thing: do not self-medicate.” They add: “Go to the nearest CAPS [Primary Health Care Center], Node or hospital near your home.” Residents can also seek advice online at http://salud.jujuy.gob.ar/asistenciavirtual/ from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 2 pm.
