EDUCATION AND CONTROL OF DENGUE FEVER: AN ACTION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY

Introduction:
Dengue fever is a disease of great transmissibility all over the world. According to a balance reported by the Health Secretary of Amazon, dengue fever epidemy in the state has reached alarming proportions. The actions to control the dissemination of the vector and the identification of its breeding grounds decrease the infestation rate by the mosquito and are critical components to the rupture of the transmition chain. OBJECTIVE: The present article consists of the education in health regarding to dengue fever prevention in mechanical workshops in Petropolis neighborhood, in the center-south of Manaus city, Amazon.

Objective:
Provide necessary information for avoiding potential developing points of dengue mosquito to mechanical workshop owners, with the proper storage of tires and reduction of the number in the cases of dengue fever during rainy periods.

Methodology:
It is an interventional project carried out by researchers of the Superior School of Health Sciences, of University of the State of Amazon. The research was funded by the Research Support Foundation of the State of Amazon (FAPEAM).

Results:
The mapping was necessary for directing the preventive actions. A general information leaflet about dengue fever was elaborated. 21 establishments were monitored. In the first visit, only 4 had stored tires of which 2 were found with water accumulation; 90% of the workshops had used carcass of cars exposed to rain, in which it was clear the water accumulation during the rain period. In this regard, it was made orientation to avoid water accumulation in these carcasses, since providing coverage for the areas would bring difficulty, because they are very extensive to be covered. After subsequent visits, it was observed a decrease in the number of carcass exposing, with proper places for storage. Regarding to tires, it was oriented to store then in the nearby tire shops.

Conclusion:
The job performed alongside the mechanical workshops showed the importance of directing the information by the educational aspect in the proper storage of tires and carcass of cars to prevent potential developing points of dengue mosquito and other potential harm. This research proves that it is possible to educate a community for a change of habits which favors health promotion and disease prevention, as is the case with dengue fever and that university can be the key for education.