In response to a growing chikungunya outbreak in Jaguapiru Village, Dourados, classes at the three local schools were suspended on Wednesday, 18th. The village has reported the highest number of chikungunya cases among indigenous communities in the area, leading health officials to classify the situation as an epidemic.

The closure included the largest school in the area, Tengatui Marangatu, where a space was set up to assist residents exhibiting symptoms of the disease. The health situation is alarming, as the city’s Health Surveillance report indicated that the municipality confirmed the fourth death from chikungunya within the Indigenous Reserve as reported on Monday, 16th. Community leaders made the decision to suspend classes after determining that around 30% of students and nine teachers were affected by the illness.

Cacique Vilmar Machado highlighted the impact of the outbreak, noting that the State School Guateka also reported significant staff shortages with 20 employees unable to work, further worsening the educational situation in the community. This public health emergency emphasizes the urgent need for better health care access and prevention efforts in the indigenous populations frequently impacted by such epidemics.