Dengue Alert Issued for the Region of the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an Epidemiologic Alert confirming a significant increase in dengue during the second half of 2023 in several countries of the Region of the Americas, especially in Central America and the Caribbean.

As of December 5, 2023, the Americas set a new record number of dengue cases with over 4.1 million patients.

According to the seasonal pattern of dengue and the current rainy season, the PAHO called for the intensification of preparedness actions within healthcare services to facilitate access and proper management of patients ahead of the Southern Hemisphere's peak season.

In 2023, through week #45, 1,954 dengue-related deaths were reported in the Region of the Americas (case fatality rate [CFR]: 0.048%).

The most significant number of dengue cases were reported in Brazil, with 2,909,404 cases.

Of the 6,340 severe dengue cases reported in 2023, the highest numbers were recorded in Brazil with 1,474 cases, Colombia with 1,390, Mexico with 1,142, Peru with 1,065, and Bolivia with 640 cases.

In addition, a notable increase in the notification of locally transmitted cases has been observed in places such as The Bahamas and the state of Florida.

Given this situation, the PAHO / World Health Organization urges Member States to implement appropriate actions at the level of patient care services, including triage, diagnosis, and timely and proper treatment of dengue cases and other arboviruses such as Zika.

As of December 2, 2023, the PAHO indicated 31,780 Zika cases across the Americas this year.

From a protection perspective, two dengue vaccines have been authorized in various countries since October 2022.