They exceeded quota 3 million cases of Denguerecorded in the Americas region since the beginning of this year, reports the World Health Organization. Approximately 80% of those infected by the virus carried by mosquitoes are concentrated in Brazil.
In 2023 – the WHO recalls – the Americas region reported the highest number of dengue cases since they were counted, with 4.5 million infected, including 7,665 serious cases and 2,363 deaths. In 2024 the region records a new record: over 3 million cases as of March 25. The majority were reported in Brazil (81% of cases), followed by Paraguay (6%), Argentina (3.4%), Peru (2.6%) and Colombia (2.2%).
Paho, the Pan American Health Organization, is working together with the ministries of health of various countries in two main directions: mosquito control and death prevention.
Puerto Rico declares dengue epidemic
The government of Puerto Rico has declared aDengue epidemicafter a spike in cases of the mosquito-borne infection hit the Caribbean island, an unincorporated US territory. From the beginning of 2024 to March 10thaccording to the most recent data provided by the local Department of Health, have been recorded in Puerto Rico 549 cases of Dengue, of which 29 serious, with 341 hospitalizations. The infections are concentrated in cities, such as San Juan, Bayamon, Guaynabo and Carolina.
Between 2010 and 2020, over 30,000 cases of dengue were reported in 4 US territories, including Puerto Rico which had the highest number of infections. In 2012, 199 deaths were reported on the island, the last time the Commonwealth declared a dengue epidemic.
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that they are collaborating with the Puerto Rico Department of Health and the local Insect Vector Control Unit for the surveillance of the virus and the training of health workers. The CDC is also engaged in disinfestation campaigns, using insecticides where necessary, and educational initiatives. Puerto Rico’s Department of Health said it is working to improve surveillance, laboratory activities, vector control and awareness interventions.
