PAHO Reports Surge in Dengue in the Americas
Today, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) raised alarms over rising cases of dengue across the Americas.
According to PAHO, the region is experiencing its worst dengue epidemic since 1980, with over 12.6 million cases reported. This is nearly three times the number from 2023. This includes 21,000 severe cases and more than 7,700 deaths. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico together make up 90% of the cases and 88% of the deaths, with Brazil being the most affected.
PAHO’s Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said during a press conference held today, “Dengue is posing a higher-than-normal risk to children. In countries like Guatemala, 70% of dengue-related deaths have occurred in children.”
Dr. Barbosa added, “We are not powerless against dengue.” He also noted that vaccines are being introduced in countries like Brazil and Argentina, but they won’t provide immediate relief during outbreaks.
In July this year, Kim Bautista, Vector Control Chief, stated that Belize reported 865 dengue cases, including 383 lab-confirmed and 482 clinically confirmed cases. He added that comparing the number of cases to the previous year, Belize was projected to see “a lower number of cases” in 2024.
Other diseases that are being monitored for a noticeable increase in cases are the Oropouche virus and avian influenza (H5N1). While human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) remain relatively low in 2024, Dr. Barbosa noted 58 cases in the U.S. and one in Canada.
Dr. Barbosa called out for cooperation among countries to effectively combat these health threats. “When countries share information and coordinate, lives are saved,” he said.
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