Some Latin American countries are facing a sharp increase in Dengue cases in 2024, take your precautions…
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Latin America is facing the largest Dengue epidemic since the 1980s. It is estimated that more than 12.6 million people have contracted the disease this year. This represents an increase of a factor of 3 compared to 2023.
4 countries account for 90% of cases and 88% of deaths: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Brazil today concentrates the majority of cases. Peru is also very affected this year according to the PAHO.
However, the virus is said to be expanding and certain states in the United States are also affected, notably in Florida, on the border with Texas and in California. .
In total, the American Centers for Disease Control has classified 30 states at high risk.
Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes and its symptoms are fever, itching/redness, nausea and pain, especially under the eyes or in the muscles and joints.
However, according to the PAHO, “the disease can progress to severe dengue fever, characterized by shock, respiratory distress, severe hemorrhage and/or serious organ damage. The disease has a seasonal character: most cases in the southern hemisphere occur during the first half of the year, and most cases in the northern hemisphere during the second half of the year. It is estimated that the majority of infections do not require medical support and there is no specific medication for Dengue fever.
Children are particularly susceptible to this disease
And children are the first victims.
“Dengue poses a higher risk than normal for children. In countries like Guatemala, 70% of dengue-related deaths occurred in children,” said PAHO’s Dr. Barbosa. Children under 15 account for more than a third of serious cases in countries like Costa Rica, Mexico and Paraguay.
It is advisable to avoid hot and humid places during the day with bodies of fresh water nearby. Mosquitoes are also found in cities, on beaches or in low-lying wooded areas.
For travelers going to Latin America or the Caribbean, it is advisable to import mosquito repellent. Dengue vaccines are available in countries such as Argentina, Peru and Brazil.
