Dengue Detections Continue Throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America

Since the first dengue-like epidemic was suspected in 1635 in the Caribbean Islands, this mosquito-transmitted disease has impacted the health of millions of people throughout the Region of the Americas.

According to new data, the year 2024 may set an all-time record. 

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issued Situation Report No. 14 confirming that 4,820,955 suspected cases of Dengue (an increase
of 260% from 2023) and 1,733 deaths have been registered as of mid-April 2024.

As of April 23, 2024, Brazil has reported the most Dengue cases this year.

To alert international travelers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reissued its Level 1 Travel Health Advisory for the Americas on April 18, 2024. The countries listed have reported higher-than-usual dengue cases.

The CDC says travelers to these Caribbean, Central, and South American countries may be at increased risk.

Within the U.S., the CDC reported that 37 jurisdictions have reported 929 dengue cases as of April 2024.

The unfortunate leader is Puerto Rico, which has 644 dengue cases, followed by the state of Florida, which has 106 travel-associated cases and five locally acquired dengue cases this year.

From a prevention perspective, two dengue vaccines have been approved. To learn about vaccination options, the CDC says travelers should speak with a vaccine advisor at least one month before traveling abroad.

As of April 23, 2024, travel vaccines are offered at specialty clinics and certified pharmacies in the U.S.