Barranquilla Health Officials Intensify Mosquito Control as Dengue Cases Rise 8 Percent
“We have prioritized community sensitization, telling them the importance of eliminating clean water reservoirs, which are the places where the dengue-transmitting mosquito reproduces,” said Stephanie Araujo, secretary of health, according to elheraldo.co. The district has stepped up prevention and control actions across ten neighborhoods and major public spaces to curb the spread of dengue.
As of epidemiological week 42 (October 12–18, 2026), Barranquilla has recorded 2,897 dengue cases, an 8 percent increase from the 2,680 reported during the same period the previous year, elheraldo.co reported. Of the total, 1,588 cases showed no warning signs, 1,282 presented warning signs, and 25 were classified as severe.
Targeting High-Risk Neighborhoods for Inspections
Health teams have inspected 56,477 homes and nearly 200,000 water deposits this year, identifying 622 homes with breeding sites of the Aedes aegypti The district reported that efforts have focused on the neighborhoods of Modelo, Siape, La Playa, San Salvador, El Silencio, Las Mercedes, Miramar, La Floresta, La Victoria, and Campo Alegre, as well as high-traffic areas including the Patinódromo, the Gran Malecón, and the Malecón de Rebolo. Blu Radio and El Informador also reported that the mosquito control program has eliminated 709 breeding sites.
Araujo noted that fumigation eliminates adult mosquitoes but not necessarily their larvae, which is why preventing water accumulation in containers remains essential. The district has also conducted 27 community micromobilizations, two macromobilizations, and educational activities in schools, Child Development Centers, and Centers of Life, reaching 146,000 people with prevention guidance. More than 1,396 health workers at 157 institutions have been trained to enhance early detection and patient care, according to El Informador.
Culex Mosquitoes Also Present, Officials Say
While dengue cases climb, Blu Radio and El Informador reported that many citizen complaints about mosquito swarms refer to Culex, a species that does not transmit dengue. For those mosquitoes, officials recommend repellent and clothing that covers most of the body.
Dengue Vaccination Campaign for Children This Saturday
To achieve immunization coverage above 95 percent, the Barranquilla mayor’s office will administer dengue vaccines to children aged 9 and 10 during the national immunization strengthening day this Saturday. More than 60 vaccination points will be available across the city at public health centers and authorized institutions, with hours from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., depending on the site, elheraldo.co reported. The campaign will also include other vaccines from the Expanded Immunization Program, targeting yellow fever and COVID-19 for specific groups.
“We call on parents and caregivers to take shared responsibility. Vaccinating our children gives them the defenses needed to protect their lives and ensure their well-being,” Araujo said. “Don’t miss this opportunity; I urge everyone to go to the authorized centers.”
What Residents Should Do
Health officials recommend keeping water storage containers covered, washing tanks periodically, eliminating objects that collect liquids, and checking patios, terraces, and other home spaces. They also urge residents to recognize dengue warning signs—persistent fever and pain behind the eyes, muscles, or abdomen—and seek medical attention promptly rather than self-medicating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dengue cases has Barranquilla recorded this year?
As of epidemiological week 42 (October 12–18, 2026), the city recorded 2,897 cases, up 8 percent from 2,680 in the same period of 2025, according to elheraldo.co.
Are the mosquitoes bothering residents the dengue carriers?
Not necessarily. Blu Radio and El Informador reported that many recent complaints involve Culex mosquitoes, which do not transmit dengue; the disease is spread by Aedes aegypti.
Where can parents vaccinate children against dengue this Saturday?
More than 60 points will be open across Barranquilla, including public MiRed IPS centers and authorized health institutions, with hours from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., elheraldo.co reported.
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