Panama has accumulated a total of 2,720 cases of dengue and eight deaths associated with this disease, according to the most recent epidemiological report released by the Ministry of Health (MINSA). Health authorities are maintaining epidemiological surveillance throughout the country and reiterated their call to the population to reinforce prevention measures, especially the elimination of breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito pictured below, which transmits dengue fever.
According to the report, the Metropolitan Region continues to be the area with the highest number of reported cases, with a total of 684 infections. They are followed by:
- Colón: 493 cases
- Bocas del Toro: 278 cases
- West Panama: 259 cases
- San Miguelito: 238 cases
- Panama East: 208 cases
- Chiriquí: 131 cases
- North Panama: 126 cases
- Herrera: 119 cases
- Los Santos: 56 cases
- Veraguas: 41 cases
- Kuna Yala region: 36 cases
- Coclé: 29 cases
- Darien: 13 cases
- Ngäbe-Buglé: 9 cases
Authorities Insist on Eliminating Breeding Grounds
The Ministry of Health reiterated that the main measure to prevent dengue is to eliminate containers that can accumulate water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Recommendations include keeping patios and the surroundings of homes clean, covering water tanks, removing unused tires, and frequently changing the water in flower vases and pet water bowls.
