In a tragic event that has shaken the community of Floridablanca, Santander, a 10-year-old girl named Valerin Sofía Ortiz Delgado passed away on November 1 due to severe dengue. Her struggle with the illness highlights the ongoing threat dengue poses to children in the region.
Valerin began experiencing symptoms on October 26, starting with a high fever and headaches. Despite being admitted to the San Luis Clinic the following day, she was discharged when her platelet levels appeared normal. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, leading to another hospitalization on October 28, where severe dengue was diagnosed. By October 31, she required intubation due to respiratory complications, and she ultimately succumbed to respiratory failure early on November 1.
The Impact of Dengue in the Region
Valerin was a third-grade student at Colegio José Antonio Galán, and her untimely death has raised significant concerns within the community and educational institutions. This incident echoes the earlier case of Mathías Hernández, a young athlete who also lost his life to dengue in September. Such events underscore the persistent threat of dengue, which has been increasingly prevalent in Floridablanca and the surrounding areas.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted to humans via infected mosquito bites, primarily from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of the global population is at risk, with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring annually. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the latter potentially leading to hospitalization or death. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, and body aches, typically lasting 1 to 2 weeks. Severe cases may present with severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, and bleeding.
Preventive Measures and Community Response
As the community mourns Valerin’s loss, her family has sought assistance to cover funeral expenses, with the burial scheduled for November 10 at 2:00 PM. Awareness about dengue prevention is crucial. The WHO emphasizes vector control as the primary method of prevention since there is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue. Key recommendations include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents, and managing breeding sites to reduce mosquito populations.
In addition, the WHO reported a significant rise in dengue cases in recent years, with over 14.6 million cases recorded in 2024 alone. From January to July 2025, more than 4 million cases and 3,000 deaths were reported globally. This alarming trend signifies the need for increased public awareness and community engagement in preventive measures.
As Floridablanca grapples with the effects of dengue, the community must remain vigilant. Health authorities are encouraged to provide more information on recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical assistance promptly. With dengue spreading to new regions, including parts of Europe, the fight against this disease is more critical than ever. For further information on dengue and its management, you can visit the World Health Organization’s website.
As we reflect on Valerin’s story and others like it, it’s a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against dengue fever and the importance of community awareness and action in preventing further tragedies.