As summer brings weather conditions favorable for the spread of dengue, the Ministry of Health in Jujuy is urging residents to increase efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, often reproduces in homes and nearby areas such as patios, roofs, gardens, galleries, or open lots.
The ministry emphasized that this mosquito adapts its life cycle to human environments and uses any rigid container that can hold water to lay eggs. These eggs develop into larvae and then new mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue within days. The process accelerates with rain, humidity, and high temperatures.
As part of the Provincial Campaign against Dengue this season, health teams are continuing scheduled clean-up operations known as descacharrado. Community participation is essential for these efforts. “The work coordinated by Primary Health Care (APS) especially requires the support of neighbors who collaborate with health agents in properly discarding rigid containers that can collect water,” said a spokesperson from the ministry. The comprehensive approach also includes placing ovitraps in homes and monitoring locations where mosquito eggs are most likely to develop.
Descacharrado activities begin each day at 8:30 a.m. and are postponed if it rains. This week’s schedule in San Salvador de Jujuy includes:
– Monday 12/01: CAPS El Chingo area
– Tuesday 13/01: CAPS Castañeda area
– Wednesday 14/01: Nodo Victoria Cruz area
– Thursday 15/01: CAPS FONAVI area
– Friday 16/01: CIC Copacabana area
To prevent dengue, residents are advised to eliminate all potential breeding sites for Aedes aegypti inside and around their homes by daily removal of unused containers that may accumulate water—such as cans, bottles, tires, toys, metal sheets, small pools, or tanks—and turning over objects left outdoors that could fill with rainwater. It is also recommended to change animal drinking water daily and replace flower vase water with wet sand; clean air conditioner drains and gutters; cover tanks used for collecting water; and clear weeds from yards.
For personal protection against mosquito bites, people should use repellents according to label instructions; wear light-colored clothing covering arms and legs during outdoor activities; install screens on doors and windows; protect cribs and strollers with netting; use fans or air conditioning when possible; and consider environmental repellents like tablets or coils.
Symptoms of dengue include fever above 39.5°C (103°F), pain behind the eyes or in muscles/joints/headaches, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/stomach pain, intense fatigue, skin rashes or spots, itching or bleeding from nose/gums.
If symptoms appear:
“The most important thing: do not self-medicate,” advises the ministry.
“Go to your nearest CAPS [Primary Health Care Center], Nodo [health node], or hospital.”
“You can also consult online at http://salud.jujuy.gob.ar/asistenciavirtual/ from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.”
