By Andrea Hargraves 
The city of Ipatinga, in the Vale do Aco region, declared a state of emergency due to the high rate of infection with the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is responsible for transmitting the dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. It was published in the Official Municipal Gazette on January 5, and is valid for ninety days, with the possibility of extension. According to the text, the condition, which is considered abnormal, constitutes an imminent danger to public health.
According to the latest Aedes aegypti Invasion Index Rapid Survey (LIRAa), published in the first week of November 2023, the mosquito infestation rate in the city was 3.6%. This indicator is considered moderate risk, as according to the evaluation scope criteria of the Ministry of Health, the acceptable level is less than 1%.
“The state of emergency declared in this decree allows for the necessary measures to be taken to combat the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and to combat diseases caused by viruses, in particular the acquisition of inputs and materials, and the contracting of services absolutely necessary to respond to the disease.” State of emergency, in accordance with the legislation applicable to tenders and administrative contracts,” reads the text published in the Municipal Official Gazette (DOM).
According to the epidemiological bulletin issued by the State Ministry of Health (SES-MG), one case of dengue was confirmed in Ipatinga in 2024. The survey takes into account the period from 1 to 8 January. The municipality had no confirmation of chikungunya or Zika cases. Cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika have also not been investigated in the city.
In 2023, Ipatinga had 11,447 confirmed cases of dengue, and one death resulting from the disease. The city also recorded 8,323 cases of chikungunya, and three deaths. According to the epidemiological bulletin SES-MG, no patients have been diagnosed with Zika virus in the municipality.
To contain cases of arbovirus infection, the municipality said it had intensified measures, including the use of cars fumigated with pesticides. He stated, “The Ministry of Health uses two technologies: application using a vehicle thermal spray device and heavy-duty UBV technology.”
Cleaning efforts are also being carried out in vacant lots and construction areas, in addition to visits to residents' homes. It is expected that by January 12, teams of 70 Endemic Disease Control Agents (ACE's), supervisors and technicians will visit more than 4,000 properties.