Overview

• A record surge in dengue cases across Latin America and the Caribbean has prompted health warnings, with more than 3.5 million cases and over 1,000 deaths reported.
• The Pan American Health Organization attributes the unprecedented outbreak to global warming and the El Niño climate phenomenon, expecting this to be the worst dengue season on record.
• Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina are the most affected, accounting for 92% of the cases and 87% of the deaths, with mosquitoes thriving due to warm and rainy weather.
• Puerto Rico declared a public health emergency amid a spike in dengue cases, with 549 cases recorded this year, marking a 140% increase over the previous year.
• Health officials emphasize the need for community engagement, urging efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, protect against mosquito bites, and increase preparedness in health services.