An outbreak of dengue fever in Argentina has left residents scrambling for ways to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as the scarcity of mosquito repellent has led to surging resale prices and empty shelves in stores in Buenos Aires.
With over 180,500 dengue infections and 129 deaths reported this season, the situation has reached a critical point in Argentina. The government has lifted import restrictions on foreign-made repellents to address the shortage, but prices online are still as much as 10 times the retail value.
Health Minister has urged citizens to be careful with wearing shorts to prevent mosquito bites, a warning that was met with mockery on social media. Experts attribute the dengue surge to factors like the El Niño effect and climate change.
Political opponents have criticized the government’s deregulation policies in the context of the repellent crisis, as some Argentines are resorting to DIY alternatives like smoke, citronella incense, and even mixing coffee grounds with garlic to fend off mosquitoes.
Pharmacists in Buenos Aires have put up signs telling customers not to inquire about repellent, as the demand far outweighs the supply. The situation has become a major public health concern in Argentina, and residents are being forced to get creative in their efforts to protect themselves against dengue fever.
