Americas Face Unprecedented Surge Of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is rapidly spreading across the Caribbean and the Americas, with a staggering 12.6 million suspected cases reported in 2024, nearly three times the number seen last year. This surge in cases is linked to climate change, as warmer temperatures have expanded the range of mosquitoes that transmit the virus. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has also reported a significant increase in dengue-related deaths, which have surpassed 7,700 so far this year, marking a 200% rise compared to 2023.
PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa pointed out that this increase is directly related to climate events such as higher temperatures, droughts, and flooding, as well as factors like rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, and poor sanitation. These conditions have contributed to the global spread of dengue, affecting areas that were previously free of the disease. Brazil is currently experiencing the highest number of cases, followed by Argentina and Mexico, with several Caribbean nations also reporting a significant number of infections.
In the United States, local transmission of dengue has been reported in California, Florida, and Texas, marking an expansion of the disease’s reach. Dengue is caused by four distinct virus types, and having one type does not provide immunity against the others. This year, a surge in serotype 3 has been observed in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean, with many cases going undiagnosed. While some infected individuals experience mild flu-like symptoms, others face severe complications, including bleeding, shock, and even death. Repeated infections can be especially dangerous.
Puerto Rico, where the number of cases has nearly quadrupled this year, declared a dengue epidemic by late March. The territory has reported over 4,900 cases and at least nine deaths. Local officials have urged residents to eliminate standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, to curb the spread. In other regions, such as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Paraguay, a concerning number of cases are being reported in children under 15, with Guatemala seeing a high number of child fatalities.
While vaccines against dengue have been introduced in some countries, they are primarily aimed at children and are most effective in those who have already been infected. Supplies remain limited, and the vaccines are not expected to significantly impact transmission rates. Public health experts emphasize that preventing mosquito breeding remains the most effective measure to combat the spread of the virus.
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