Argentina Grapples with Insect Repellent Shortage Ahead of Severe Dengue Season
As Argentina braces for what experts predict could be its most severe dengue season yet, the nation faces a critical shortage of insect repellent. Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus with potentially fatal consequences, poses a significant health threat, especially in the absence of widespread vaccination.
Despite the availability of a dengue vaccine in its early stages of deployment, the majority of Argentinians still rely on preventative measures to safeguard against the virus. However, obtaining repellent has become nearly impossible for many residents.
Reports indicate that numerous supermarkets and pharmacies display “no repellent” signs, while the few remaining sources, particularly online, offer repellents at exorbitant prices. The government has acknowledged the issue, attributing it to a temporary supply bottleneck that authorities assure will be resolved in the near future.
Nevertheless, anxiety looms among citizens, particularly in Buenos Aires, as the country grapples with a rising number of dengue infections. The shortage of repellents, noticed since March, exacerbates the situation, prompting concerns among residents.
According to Health Minister Mario Russo, the shortage stems from a mismatch between supply and demand. Dengue, typically prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, manifests through symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, swollen glands, and rashes.
As of the latest update, Argentina has reported 163,419 cases of dengue fever in 2024, with fatalities recorded across all age groups. The elderly, particularly those over 80, face the highest mortality rate.
The Ministry of Health advises individuals to use repellents to prevent mosquito bites and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of dengue develop. Across the Americas, dengue cases have tripled in the first three months of the year compared to 2023, with Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay bearing the brunt of the outbreak.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warns that these countries constitute 98% of all reported cases and 87% of deaths related to the virus. With over 3.5 million cases and a thousand deaths recorded regionally, PAHO attributes the escalation to global warming and the El Niño phenomenon, contributing to what could be the worst dengue season in the Americas to date.