Dengue Fever Cases Surge to Record Levels in Central and South America

A record number of dengue fever cases have been reported in Central and South America this year, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with cases nearly tripling to more than 12.6 million, BBC reports.

The outbreak, which has claimed the lives of at least 7,700 people, marks the largest in the region since records began in 1980.

The countries most affected by the virus include Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, which together account for the majority of both cases and deaths. Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, can cause a range of symptoms including fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and a blotchy rash. In severe cases, it can lead to extreme stomach pain, vomiting, and blood in vomit or stool, with the potential for death.

PAHO has urged governments across the Americas to strengthen their efforts in mitigating the spread of the disease. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO’s Director, attributed the rise in cases to a combination of factors, including higher-than-normal temperatures, increased rainfall, and environmental conditions such as accumulated water and poor waste management, which create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The impact on children has been especially concerning, with 70% of dengue-related deaths in Guatemala involving children, and under-15s accounting for more than a third of severe cases in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. Children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to severe forms of the disease.

In response to the growing threat, vaccines for dengue have been introduced in several countries, with Honduras planning to start distribution in 2025. However, experts warn that more comprehensive and coordinated efforts are needed to combat the ongoing epidemic.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about half of the world’s population resides in areas at risk of contracting dengue, primarily due to the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the virus.