Dengue Outbreak Hits New High in the Americas with Over 5.2 Million Cases, PAHO Reports
The Americas are facing a significant surge in dengue cases, surpassing 5.2 million reported cases and breaking a previous yearly record. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has highlighted the alarming increase in dengue infections across the region.
Dengue cases in the Americas are on the rise, with a total of 5.2 million cases reported this week, exceeding the previous record set in 2023, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin informed CNN on Thursday that as of Wednesday, there have been 5,214,480 reported cases of dengue in the Americas. This surpasses the total number of cases reported in the entire year of 2023, which was 4,572,765.
"We are facing a serious emergency due to dengue," stated PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa during a news briefing on Thursday.
Countries in the southern hemisphere have been severely affected, with Brazil reporting the highest number of cases. In February, Rio de Janeiro declared a state of public health emergency in response to a significant increase in dengue cases.
Argentina is currently experiencing its worst Dengue outbreak in history. Puerto Rico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru are also dealing with outbreaks, and it is believed that climate change may be a contributing factor. Stefano Pozzebon reports from Buenos Aires.
Argentina is battling the worst outbreak of Dengue in its history. But it is not alone. Puerto Rico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru are also facing outbreaks and climate change could be behind it. Stefano Pozzebon has the story from Buenos Aires.
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Argentina suffering its worst-ever Dengue outbreak
In Peru, the government announced that 20 out of the country's 25 regions are currently under a health alert because of the epidemic. The number of cases has risen to over 134,000 this week.
Although some South American hotspots have seen a stabilization in the situation in recent weeks, PAHO has issued a warning. They advised that countries in the region, as well as those in the northern hemisphere, should start preparing for the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures.
"According to Baldwin, most cases of dengue in the southern hemisphere happen in the first half of the year, while in the northern hemisphere, they occur more in the second half. This year, we have already seen a peak in cases in the south, and now we anticipate an increase in cases in the north."
PAHO states that the increase in dengue cases can be attributed to various factors such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, rapid population growth, and lack of proper water and sanitation services. These conditions can lead to the creation of breeding sites for mosquitoes.
In 2024, the Americas have reported 1,858 deaths from the illness, which is lower than last year's total of 2,418.
According to Barbosa, a vaccine for dengue is accessible and can help in decreasing severe cases and deaths. However, he cautioned that it is not able to instantly stop outbreaks.
An Aedes aegypti mosquito is kept in a container in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 13, 2024.
An Aedes aegypti mosquito is kept in a container in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 13, 2024.
Agustin Marcarian/Reuters
Public health workers spray insecticide during a fumigation campaign in the Ceilandia neighborhood of Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
Public health workers spray insecticide during a fumigation campaign in the Ceilandia neighborhood of Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
Eraldo Peres/AP
To control the outbreak, PAHO suggests a strategy that targets surveillance, controlling the mosquito that spreads the virus, and clinical management, according to Baldwin.
Baldwin also mentioned that although there is no specific treatment for dengue at any clinical stage, most cases are mild. Early detection and receiving proper medical care can lower the risk of death from severe dengue.
Dengue is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is also known to spread other viruses like yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dengue can cause symptoms similar to the flu and in severe cases, it can even result in death.
The virus is common in over 100 countries with tropical and subtropical climates, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, Dengue is also prevalent in territories of the United States such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
Editor's P/S:
The surge in dengue cases across the Americas is alarming, exceeding the previous record set in 2023. The situation is particularly dire in South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Peru, where outbreaks have overwhelmed healthcare systems. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor, as warmer temperatures and extreme weather events create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To combat the outbreak, PAHO recommends a comprehensive strategy involving surveillance, mosquito control, and clinical management. While there is no specific treatment for dengue, early detection and proper medical care can reduce the risk of severe illness and death. The availability of a vaccine offers hope for reducing the impact of dengue, but it is essential to maintain vigilance and implement effective outbreak control measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
