Panama intensifies national dengue operations, urges continued prevention

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) is stepping up its fight against dengue, launching intensified national operations to eliminate breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the disease's vector. Health teams conducted house-to-house inspections in Tocumen on Sunday, identifying and removing potential breeding sites as part of a broader prevention strategy.

While Panama has seen a significant 34.9% decrease in cumulative dengue cases compared to the same period in 2025, health officials emphasize the need for vigilance. They warn that August and September are critical months requiring sustained prevention efforts. The Metropolitan Region currently reports the highest number of cases, with approximately 1,780 infections, a situation partly attributed to high population density. Tocumen, Veracruz, and 24 de Diciembre are priority areas for vector control in this region, with similar operations underway in Colón province.

Inspections in Tocumen revealed common breeding sites such as accumulated scrap metal, trash, and uncovered water containers. Authorities also highlighted concerns about water storage due to supply issues, urging residents to properly cover, empty, clean, or discard any containers that could hold water. Minsa is collaborating with other institutions, including the National Directorate of Urban and Domestic Cleaning and the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage, stressing that eliminating breeding sites is a shared responsibility with the community.

Medical personnel are also advised to maintain a high clinical suspicion for dengue symptoms, particularly in emergency services, to ensure early detection and treatment. Health officials reiterated that prevention is an ongoing task, extending beyond fumigation and inspection campaigns to encompass daily practices within homes and communities.

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It is not a fight for Minsa alone; we must share responsibilities with the community to eliminate potential breeding sites and break the chain of transmission.