Residents in Buenos Aires are facing a crisis as shelves in stores run empty of mosquito repellent amid the worst outbreak of dengue fever in the country. The surge in resale prices, sometimes up to 10 times the retail value, has shocked Argentines accustomed to high inflation rates.
The rampant hoarding and price increases have driven desperation among the population, leading some to turn to DIY alternatives like vanilla and water or homemade herbal repellents. In response to the shortage, the government has lifted import restrictions on foreign-made repellents and promised to increase production at local labs.
The outbreak has been fueled by the expansion of the Aedes aegypti mosquito’s range in Argentina, with infections surpassing 180,500 this season and 129 deaths reported. Experts attribute the surge to climate change, El Niño ocean warming, and heavy rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
The shortage has led to political criticism and price speculation, with sellers hiking prices up to five or ten times the original value. Some Argentines have resorted to unconventional methods like burning egg cartons, using citronella incense, or concocting mixtures of coffee grounds and garlic cloves to fend off mosquitoes.
While government officials have held workshops to educate residents on making homemade repellents with herbs and essential oils, concerns have been raised about the cost and effort involved. The situation remains dire as residents continue to struggle to protect themselves from the dengue outbreak in the midst of the repellent shortage.
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