Fiocruz doubles production of dengue tests at the request of the Ministry of Health

Fiocruz will be responsible for producing and delivering 600,000 dengue molecular diagnostic tests (RT-PCR) to the Ministry of Health (MS). The tests allow confirming the infection and identifying the circulating dengue serotype (1, 2, 3 and 4), but also Zika and chikungunya.

In addition to the 300,000 reactions to be delivered throughout the year, another 300,000 emergency tests will be offered in the first months of the year (photo: Carlos André Lemos, Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz)

With the current epidemiological situation and emergency in some of the country's municipalities, the production planned for 2024 has been extended and the number of deliveries doubled. In addition to the 300,000 reactions to be delivered throughout the year, another 300,000 emergency tests will be offered in the first few months of the year. The first tests are expected to be delivered in the next few weeks.

For the president of Fiocruz, Mario Moreira, the delivery of the molecular tests reinforces the institution's commitment to tackling the country's epidemiological challenges. "This initiative aims to strengthen accurate and agile diagnosis, enabling an effective response to the diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti. We are committed to contributing to national public health and we will continue to work tirelessly to contribute to the health of our population," he says.

"[The Immunobiological Technology Institute] Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz is monitoring the epidemiological situation of dengue in the country and reinforces its important role in supporting diagnosis with the Ministry of Health. Our teams are engaged and committed not only to doubling the amount planned, but also to making these deliveries as soon as possible," said Mauricio Zuma, director of the Fiocruz unit.