Latin America: Dengue and Oropouche cases on the rise

The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Jarbas Barbosa, has expressed concern about the increase in cases of Dengue and Oropouche affecting regions of Latin America in 2024. The Region of the Americas reported totally more than 12.6 million Dengue cases and over 7.700 deaths. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico account for 90% of cases and 88% of deaths, with Brazil having the largest share. Dengue poses an increased risk to children, especially in countries such as Guatemala, where 70% of dengue-related deaths occur in childhood. Barbosa pointed out that in countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico and Paraguay, children under the age of 15 account for more than a third of severe cases. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru have introduced dengue vaccines. Honduras plans to do so in 2025, Barbosa stated. Regarding the the Oropouche virus, more than 11,600 cases were reported in 12 countries and territories in Latin America, mostly in Brazil. The Oropouche epidemic is a cause for concern among experts because of its growing geographical spread outside the Amazon basin, including in areas where the disease has never been seen before. Regional collaboration will be crucial in tackling the outbreaks over the next few years, concluded the PAHO director.