WASHINGTON DC, United States (CMC) — 9.3 million cases of dengue fever have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) so far this year, double the number reported in all of 2023, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
However, it reported that the case fatality rate remained below the regional target of 0.05%.
“Although we have seen a significant increase in the number of dengue cases in the region this year, it is important to emphasize that, thanks to the efforts of countries and PAHO’s support, the proportion of cases that result in deaths remains low,” said PAHO Executive Director Jarvas Barbosa.
“This situation highlights the importance of continuing surveillance, strengthening prevention and control measures, and ensuring timely medical care,” he added.
According to PAHO, more than 9,500 cases of severe dengue fever (0.10%) and just over 4,500 deaths (case fatality rate of 0.048%) have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean so far this year.
All countries have recorded an increase in the number of cases compared to the same period in 2023. This can be attributed to several factors, including the expansion of the range of the main vector, Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is expanding its range into areas it was not previously present in due to factors such as El Niño and climate change.
Moreover, rapid and unplanned urban expansion and population growth, as well as inadequate water and sanitation services, create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding in waste and containers that collect water.
Additionally, quarantine measures and travel restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced exposure to dengue virus, limiting human contact with the virus and increasing the number of susceptible individuals.
PAHO said it is working closely with countries and territories in the region to implement comprehensive dengue prevention and control plans.
