The Pan American Well being Group (PAHO) has introduced that Latin America and the Caribbean have reported 9.3 million circumstances of dengue up to now this 12 months, which is double the quantity reported for all of 2023.
Regardless of this surge, PAHO’s epidemiological replace reveals that the fatality price stays beneath the regional objective of 0.05 %.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa acknowledged, “Whereas we’re seeing a notable enhance within the variety of dengue circumstances within the area this 12 months, it is very important spotlight that the proportion of circumstances that progress to demise stays low because of international locations’ efforts and the help of PAHO.”
“This case highlights the significance of sustaining surveillance, strengthening prevention and management measures, and guaranteeing well timed medical care.”
Improve brought on by environmental modifications
Up to now in 2024, international locations in Latin America and the Caribbean have reported over 9,500 circumstances of extreme dengue (0.10 %) and simply over 4,500 deaths (a fatality price of 0.048 %).
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Nations similar to Jamaica, Guyana, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad have all reported circumstances of dengue during the last six months.
In comparison with the identical interval in 2023, all international locations have seen a rise in circumstances. This rise might be linked to a number of elements, together with the territorial growth of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, its main vector. The mosquito has unfold to new areas, doubtlessly resulting from elements like El Niño and local weather change.
Moreover, fast unplanned city growth and inhabitants progress, together with poor water and sanitation providers, have created favorable circumstances for mosquito proliferation in discarded objects and containers that accumulate water.
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Furthermore, restricted contact between people and the dengue virus, resulting from confinement measures and journey restrictions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, might have elevated the variety of prone individuals.
As the height season for dengue circulation approaches within the northern hemisphere, PAHO is urging international locations and territories to accentuate their efforts in detecting and stopping circumstances.
PAHO advises governments to lift neighborhood consciousness about eliminating breeding websites, undertake private protecting measures to keep away from mosquito bites, and guarantee well timed and applicable medical take care of sufferers.
People are additionally inspired to hunt speedy medical consideration at any signal of alarm and take private protecting measures to stop mosquito bites.
