Buenos Aires, Argentina – As cases of dengue continue to surge in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a record-breaking number of 5.2 million cases this week, surpassing last year’s total. PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin revealed that the region had 5,214,480 cases as of this Wednesday, compared to 4,572,765 cases reported in 2023.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa declared a state of emergency due to the escalating dengue situation in the Americas. Countries in the southern hemisphere, especially Brazil, have been hit the hardest by the outbreak. In response to the spike in cases, Rio de Janeiro declared a state of public health emergency earlier this year.
Peru is also facing a health alert, with 20 out of its 25 regions under surveillance for the epidemic, which has seen over 134,000 reported cases. While some South American countries have seen a stabilization in cases, PAHO warned that countries in the northern hemisphere need to brace themselves for the upcoming spring and warmer temperatures.
Factors contributing to the rise in dengue cases include increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, rapid population growth, and inadequate water and sanitation services, leading to the creation of mosquito breeding grounds. Despite the alarming numbers, the Americas have reported fewer deaths from dengue in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Barbosa emphasized the importance of a vaccine in reducing severe cases and deaths, although it may not immediately halt outbreaks. PAHO recommends a comprehensive strategy focusing on surveillance, control of the mosquito vector, and clinical management to contain the outbreak and reduce the probability of severe cases.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal in extreme cases. The virus is endemic in over 100 countries in tropical and subtropical regions, predominantly in urban areas. It is also prevalent in US territories such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.