Central and South America hit by record dengue outbreak

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has announced a near tripling of dengue fever cases in Central and South America this year, reaching an unprecedented high. The countries of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico were particularly affected by the outbreak, accounting for a significant proportion of cases and mortalities. According to the PAHO, the region has witnessed the largest outbreak of the disease since records began in 1980, with more than 12.6 million cases and 7,700 deaths. The PAHO’s director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa, cited a warmer, wetter climate and factors such as accumulated water around the home and poor waste management as the underlying causes of the high number of cases. These factors facilitate the proliferation of mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes aegypti, which act as vectors for dengue fever. Those with underlying health conditions, including children, are at an increased risk of infection and developing more severe symptoms. Vaccine implementation has begun in select countries within the region, with others, such as Honduras, scheduled to commence distribution in 2025. In an official declaration, PAHO has called for implementing more robust mitigation strategies and enhanced collaboration across the Americas.