According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), cases of dengue in the Americas have surged, surpassing a yearly record set in 2023. As of this week, a total of 5,214,480 cases have been reported in the region, exceeding the 4,572,765 cases reported in all of 2023.

PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the Americas are currently facing an emergency due to the rise in dengue cases. The southern hemisphere has been hit the hardest, with Brazil accounting for a majority of the reported cases. Earlier this year, Rio de Janeiro had declared a state of public health emergency in response to a spike in cases.

Peru is also experiencing a significant outbreak, with over 134,000 cases reported across 20 of the country's 25 regions. This has prompted the government to issue a health alert. While the situation seems to have stabilized in certain South American hotspots, PAHO has cautioned that other countries, including those in the northern hemisphere, must prepare for the spring and warmer temperatures.

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the need for preparedness, as he explained that in the southern hemisphere, dengue cases are most prevalent in the first half of the year, while in the northern hemisphere, they peak in the second half.

PAHO attributes the rise in dengue cases to various factors, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, rapid population growth, and inadequate water and sanitation services, which create ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

In terms of fatalities, the Americas have reported 1,858 deaths from dengue in 2024. This is lower than last year's total of 2,418 deaths. While a vaccine is available, PAHO cautioned that it is not capable of immediately interrupting outbreaks but can help reduce severe cases and deaths.

To control the outbreak, PAHO recommends implementing a strategy that focuses on surveillance, controlling the mosquito vector that transmits the virus, and providing proper clinical management. Early detection and access to medical care are crucial in reducing the likelihood of severe dengue cases, according to Baldwin.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus spread mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also known to carry other viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal in extreme cases. It is endemic in more than 100 countries, predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas with tropical or subtropical climates. Additionally, it is endemic in US territories such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, as confirmed by the World Health Organization.