Dengue: they are lying to you!
Before the episode begins, the host requests assistance from listeners to support the weekly production of the podcast "Escutar Ciência." They encourage followers to evaluate and recommend the podcast, which aims to spread scientific knowledge. Support can also come through financial contributions, starting at R$2, which grants access to a group for direct contact with the podcast creators. The host discusses concerns over the rising cases of dengue in Brazil, with over 500,000 confirmed and probable cases reported this year, particularly in states like Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The episode features Letícia Sarturi, a master in immunology and doctor in biosciences, who addresses common questions about dengue. It explains how the disease is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, specifically the infected female, which requires blood for egg maturation. The historical context of dengue is also discussed, revealing that the mosquito has been present in Brazil since the 19th century and that dengue has become an endemic issue in the country. The dialogue touches on environmental factors, such as deforestation and global warming, which may contribute to an increase in mosquito populations in urban areas, creating conditions for the spread of dengue. As temperatures rise, mosquito life cycles are accelerated, ultimately leading to a higher risk of transmission. The episode emphasizes that a significant portion of mosquito breeding sites are found in human habitats, increasing the potential for dengue outbreaks.