WASHINGTON, DC, United States (CMC) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has reported 9.3 million cases of dengue so far this year, twice the number of cases reported in all of 2023.

However, it said the fatality rate remains below the regional goal of 0.05 per cent.

“While we are seeing a notable increase in the number of dengue cases in the region this year, it is important to highlight that the proportion of cases that progress to death remains low, thanks to countries’ efforts and the support of PAHO,” said PAHO’s Director Jarbas Barbosa.

“This situation highlights the importance of sustaining surveillance, strengthening prevention and control measures, and ensuring timely medical care,” he added.

PAHO said that so far this year, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have reported more than 9,500 cases of severe dengue (0.10 per cent) and just over 4,500 deaths (fatality rate of 0.048 per cent).

Compared to the same period in 2023, all countries recorded increases in cases. This can be attributed to several factors, including territorial expansion of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, its main vector, which has expanded its range to areas where it was not present before, potentially due to factors such as El Niño and climate change.

In addition, rapid, unplanned urban expansion and population growth, combined with poor water and sanitation services, have created favourable conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes in discarded objects and containers that accumulate water.

Furthermore, limited contact between humans and the dengue virus, due to reduced exposure from confinement measures and travel restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have increased the number of susceptible people.

PAHO said it is working closely with the countries and territories of the region to implement comprehensive dengue-prevention and-control plans.