The city of Belo Horizonte has reported its first death from dengue fever in 2026, with local health authorities on alert due to rising cases of the disease.
The Municipal Health Secretariat of Belo Horizonte has confirmed the first death attributed to dengue fever in the city for the year 2026. The victim, a 60-year-old resident of the Barreiro neighborhood, had pre-existing health conditions and passed away on January 2. Alongside this fatality, Belo Horizonte has recorded a total of 55 dengue cases.
Health authorities in the state of Minas Gerais are currently on high alert to prevent a further increase in dengue cases, having noted 2,717 confirmed cases and three deaths statewide this year. Notably, two of those deaths occurred in the Triângulo Mineiro region, with the initial death involving a 93-year-old woman from Uberlândia, followed by a 55-year-old man from Frutal. This information highlights the broader impact of dengue fever in the state, signaling a need for intensified health measures.
Secretary of Health Fábio Baccheretti emphasized the importance of early recognition of warning signs, particularly for vulnerable individuals with comorbidities. He noted that deaths from dengue can generally be considered preventable through timely action and care. Amidst rising incidence rates in the Triângulo region, enhanced health actions are being implemented to protect at-risk populations and curb the disease's spread.
