With 12.6 million cases and more than 7,700 deaths in 2024, dengue has become an unprecedented public health crisis in the region.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported that Latin America is experiencing its largest dengue epidemic since records began in 1980. This year, the number of cases has nearly tripled compared to 2023, with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico accounting for 90% of cases and 88% of deaths.
The Most Vulnerable: Children at Higher Risk
Dengue poses a significant risk to children. In Guatemala, 70% of dengue-related deaths have occurred among minors, while in countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Paraguay, more than one-third of cases involve children under 15, according to PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa.
Factors Driving the Epidemic
The rise in dengue cases is linked to a combination of climatic factors, such as higher temperatures and intense rainfall, which create ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Additionally, unplanned urbanization, poor waste management, and the accumulation of water in domestic settings contribute to mosquito breeding grounds.
Regional Response: Prevention and Vaccination
Despite the scale of the outbreak, the region is not defenseless. PAHO is spearheading efforts through its Integrated Management Strategy, which has helped reduce severe and fatal cases through improved clinical management.
In terms of vaccination, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru have already introduced dengue vaccines, with Honduras planning to do so in 2025. However, Barbosa warned that current vaccines will not curb the virus’s spread in the short term, urging the implementation of basic preventive measures, such as using insect repellents and eliminating mosquito breeding sites in homes.
Strengthening Cooperation to Combat Dengue
The PAHO Director emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to tackle dengue and other vector-borne diseases. “Regional cooperation is key to strengthening epidemiological surveillance, sharing information, and saving lives,” Barbosa concluded.
The current outbreak highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat a disease that continues to disproportionately impact the most vulnerable communities in Latin America.
