Dengue - Atribuições do Agente Comunitária de Saúde e do Agente de Combate a Endemias

Summary

In this video, the speaker outlines the important roles and responsibilities of Health Agents (ACS and ACE) in combating dengue. ACS agents are tasked with educating communities, inspecting homes for mosquito breeding sites, and guiding residents on preventive measures. ACE agents focus on more technical duties, such as applying larvicides and identifying difficult-to-reach breeding areas. Both agents work closely with local health units and the community to prevent the spread of dengue, providing crucial support in public health. The speaker emphasizes the need for teamwork and community engagement to effectively control this mosquito-borne disease.

Takeaways

• 👩‍⚕️ Agents of health play a crucial role in combating dengue by identifying and managing suspected cases.
• 🏠 Community health workers (ACS) are responsible for informing residents about dengue symptoms, risks, and prevention measures.
• 🔍 ACS should conduct home visits to check for the presence of mosquito larvae and educate residents on mosquito control.
• 🚮 It is essential for ACS to help residents eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes.
• 📅 Regular meetings between ACS and community members promote awareness and mobilization against dengue.
• 📋 Communication with health supervisors and pest control agents is vital for addressing identified mosquito breeding sites.
• 🔄 ACS must collaborate with the Endemics Control Agents (ACE) to ensure effective dengue management strategies.
• 📊 Reporting suspected dengue cases to health authorities is crucial for tracking and controlling outbreaks.
• 🚧 Both ACS and ACE have overlapping responsibilities, and understanding these roles is important for effective teamwork.
• 🗣️ Community engagement and education are key components in the fight against dengue, helping to ensure a healthier environment.

Q & A

What are the primary responsibilities of an Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS) in the context of dengue control?

The ACS is responsible for educating the community about dengue symptoms, risks, and prevention methods. They also conduct home visits to inform residents about the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and report any suspected cases of dengue to the appropriate health authorities.

How does an ACS contribute to the identification of dengue transmission sources?

An ACS helps by guiding residents in identifying and removing potential mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes. They check for larval presence and educate the community on how to prevent mosquito proliferation.

What is the role of the Agente de Combate a Endemias (ACE) in controlling the dengue outbreak?

The ACE is responsible for identifying and treating areas with mosquito larvae using larvicides. They also inspect properties that require special attention or have hard-to-reach breeding sites and work closely with the ACS to ensure proper control measures are applied.

What are the differences between the responsibilities of an ACS and an ACE regarding dengue control?

While both ACS and ACE play similar roles in educating the community and eliminating breeding sites, the ACE is more involved in the direct application of chemical treatments (larvicides) and the inspection of difficult-to-reach areas for mosquito larvae.

How does the ACS ensure effective collaboration with other health professionals like the ACE?

The ACS communicates and collaborates with ACEs to report findings such as hard-to-reach mosquito breeding sites. They also attend weekly meetings with the ACE to exchange information on dengue cases, infestation indices, and jointly plan control actions.

Why is community involvement important in the fight against dengue?

Community involvement is crucial because it ensures that dengue prevention efforts are widespread and effective. By educating residents and encouraging active participation in removing potential mosquito breeding sites, the community becomes a critical ally in preventing the spread of the disease.

What challenges does the ACS face in their role, based on the speaker's personal experience?

The speaker notes that there is often a lack of integration and collaboration between ACS and ACEs in some areas, which makes it difficult to coordinate efforts effectively. Additionally, in some cities, the response to dengue prevention is not as efficient due to local variations in practice.

How does the ACS address resistance or non-cooperation from the community?

The ACS works by educating the community about the risks of dengue and the importance of prevention measures. They also emphasize collaboration with residents to remove objects that could become mosquito breeding grounds, and in cases of resistance, they report the issue to higher authorities.

What is the significance of home visits conducted by the ACS in dengue prevention?

Home visits allow the ACS to directly inform residents about dengue risks, inspect their homes for potential mosquito breeding sites, and provide guidance on how to eliminate them. This proactive approach is key in preventing the spread of the disease.

What types of treatments or actions are taken by the ACE to address mosquito larvae?

The ACE applies larvicides or biolarvicides to areas with mosquito larvae. This treatment helps to control the mosquito population, particularly in places that are difficult to access or in situations where mechanical removal of larvae is needed.