The dengue epidemic in Latin America has escalated into a severe public health crisis. In 2024, the region has witnessed an unprecedented spike in cases, with the total surpassing 5.2 million. This surge is alarming, particularly given the 1,800 lives claimed by the disease this year, significantly more than in the first three months.
Current Situation
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has declared an emergency in response to the escalating situation. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO’s director, highlighted the gravity of the crisis, referring to dengue as a “silent epidemic” that has been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentina and Brazil are the epicenters of this outbreak, bearing the brunt of the cases. Argentina reported a staggering 57,461 cases in just the first eight weeks of 2024. The situation is similarly dire in Brazil, where dengue continues to spread rapidly .
2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |
Country | Non severe Dengue | Severe Dengue | Total Dengue Cases | Severe Dengue Proportion |
Antigua and Barbuda | 41 | 0 | 41 | 0.00 |
Argentina | 315,220 | 722 | 315,942 | 0.23 |
Aruba | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0.00 |
Bahamas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Barbados | 940 | 0 | 940 | 0.00 |
Belize | 521 | 3 | 524 | 0.57 |
Bermuda | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Bolivia | 25,250 | 114 | 25,364 | 0.45 |
Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba | 207 | 0 | 207 | 0.00 |
Brazil | 5,539,213 | 3,135 | 5,542,348 | 0.06 |
Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Cayman Islands | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0.00 |
Chile | 115 | 0 | 115 | 0.00 |
Colombia | 111,109 | 1,031 | 112,140 | 0.92 |
Costa Rica | 6,939 | 0 | 6,939 | 0.00 |
Curaçao | 262 | 0 | 262 | 0.00 |
Dominican Republic | 7,609 | 54 | 7,663 | 0.70 |
Ecuador | 23,249 | 96 | 23,345 | 0.41 |
El Salvador | 1,807 | 2 | 1,809 | 0.11 |
French Guiana | 12,819 | 0 | 12,819 | 0.00 |
Grenada | 125 | 1 | 126 | 0.79 |
Guadeloupe | 3,340 | 0 | 3,340 | 0.00 |
Guatemala | 12,551 | 19 | 12,570 | 0.15 |
Guyana | 12,822 | 0 | 12,822 | 0.00 |
Honduras | 13,027 | 150 | 13,177 | 1.14 |
Jamaica | 1,133 | 0 | 1,133 | 0.00 |
Martinique | 5,140 | 0 | 5,140 | 0.00 |
Mexico | 59,231 | 362 | 59,593 | 0.61 |
Montserrat | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 |
Nicaragua | 17,338 | 1 | 17,339 | 0.01 |
Panama | 5,453 | 24 | 5,477 | 0.44 |
Paraguay | 253,907 | 0 | 253,907 | 0.00 |
Peru | 173,225 | 481 | 173,706 | 0.28 |
Puerto Rico | 832 | 53 | 885 | 5.99 |
Saint Barthelemy | 121 | 0 | 121 | 0.00 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 149 | 0 | 149 | 0.00 |
Saint Lucia | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0.00 |
Saint Martin | 469 | 0 | 469 | 0.00 |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 |
Sint Maarten | 115 | 0 | 115 | 0.00 |
Suriname | 82 | 3 | 85 | 3.53 |
Trinidad and Tobago | 87 | 0 | 87 | 0.00 |
Turks and Caicos Islands | 74 | 0 | 74 | 0.00 |
United States of America | 501 | 10 | 511 | 1.96 |
Uruguay | 449 | 0 | 449 | 0.00 |
Virgin Islands (US) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Total | 6,605,499 | 6,261 | 6,611,760 |
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to the rapid spread of dengue:
- Urbanization and Increased Mobility: Urban sprawl and frequent community movement, especially noted in Argentina this year, facilitate the spread of the Aedes mosquitoes.
- Climate Conditions: The El Niño climate pattern is expected to bring heavy precipitation, creating optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. This is likely to exacerbate the situation further.
- Global Travel: Increased global mobility continues to spread dengue beyond endemic regions, challenging containment efforts.
Response Measures
In response to the crisis, several urgent measures have been adopted:
- Public Health Declarations and Emergency Decrees: Countries like Peru have seen cases triple compared to last year, prompting the government to declare a health emergency and escalate response efforts.
- Healthcare System Support: The limited availability of the dengue vaccine is a significant challenge. PAHO and local medical authorities are emphasizing vaccination to prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed.
- Community Engagement and Education: Efforts are being made to educate the public on preventing mosquito breeding and the importance of vaccination .
Ongoing Challenges
The fight against dengue in Latin America is hampered by several challenges:
- Vaccine Supply Issues: The existing vaccines are not sufficient to immediately curb the transmission of the virus across the affected regions.
- Rapid Spread of the Virus: The unprecedented speed of the virus’s spread complicates control efforts, making it difficult to quickly reduce the number of cases.
The ongoing dengue outbreak in Latin America serves as a critical reminder of the persistent threat posed by vector-borne diseases. It underscores the urgent need for continued public health vigilance, robust international cooperation, and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure to combat these crises effectively.
The potential for dengue fever to spread in Europe
The potential for dengue fever to spread in Europe is becoming a significant concern due to several factors that align with both environmental changes and human activities. The increase in cases observed in recent years points to this emerging health challenge.
Dengue is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito, notably the Aedes albopictus, which has increasingly established itself across various European regions. Originally confined to warmer areas, this mosquito species has expanded its geographical footprint due to rising temperatures and extended summer periods which provide a conducive environment for longer breeding seasons .
Recent data shows a notable increase in dengue cases within Europe, particularly in countries like France, Italy, and Spain. The surge in cases over the past few years can be attributed to a combination of factors including higher average temperatures and increased travel which facilitates the introduction of the virus into new areas. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, another carrier of the dengue virus, has also established a presence in parts of Europe like Cyprus, adding to the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases spreading further .
Efforts to control the mosquito population and prevent outbreaks are critical, especially as climate conditions continue to evolve. The increase in global mobility also plays a role, with travelers potentially bringing the virus from endemic regions to Europe, thus initiating local transmission cycles. Enhanced surveillance and vector control are essential components in managing the risk of dengue spreading more widely across Europe.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for public health planning and response, particularly in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change and global travel patterns that affect the spread of infectious diseases like dengue.