Dengue Fever Reaches Record High in the Americas, With Over 7,700 Deaths

Climate change, poor sanitation, and urbanization drive a near tripling of cases to 12.6 million, the highest since 1980.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports 12.6 million suspected dengue cases and 7,700 deaths in 2024, marking a 200% increase in fatalities compared to 2023.
Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico account for 90% of cases and 88% of deaths, while significant outbreaks are also reported in the Caribbean and parts of the U.S.
PAHO attributes the surge to climate-related factors, including rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns, which expand mosquito habitats, as well as poor waste management and stagnant water.
Children are disproportionately affected, with 70% of dengue-related deaths in Guatemala being children, and under-15s comprising over a third of severe cases in several countries.
Vaccines are being rolled out in some nations but face limitations, with experts emphasizing preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding grounds as critical to controlling the outbreak.