Climate and urbanization fuel spread

PAHO attributes the surge to climate change, as rising temperatures, droughts, and flooding expand mosquito habitats. Rapid urbanization and poor sanitation further exacerbate the issue, enabling the virus to proliferate in densely populated areas.

Brazil has reported over 10 million cases, leading the region, followed by Argentina and Mexico, each with more than half a million cases. In the Caribbean, Guyana, French Guiana, and the Dominican Republic are among the hardest hit, while the U.S. has reported local transmission in California, Florida, and Texas.

Dengue and its deadly toll

Dengue fever, caused by four distinct virus types, poses increasing risks. While many infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to hemorrhage, shock, or death. Notably, children under 15 account for over one-third of cases in several countries, with high child mortality reported in Guatemala.

The resurgence of dengue serotype three across Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean for the first time in a decade has further complicated control efforts.

Vaccination and prevention efforts

Vaccination campaigns have begun in Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, but supplies remain limited and are primarily targeted at children who have previously contracted dengue. PAHO warns that vaccines alone will not curb transmission, emphasizing preventive measures like eliminating stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.

Puerto Rico, which declared an epidemic in March, has seen cases nearly quadruple this year, prompting officials to call for community cooperation. In Trinidad and Tobago, property owners are being fined for mosquito breeding sites.

As climate change intensifies, experts warn that dengue fever is no longer confined to tropical areas, spreading to new regions and posing an escalating public health threat. PAHO's call to action is clear: "If there's no mosquito, there's no dengue."