However, the case fatality rate remains below the regional target of 0.05 percent, despite the number of infections registered so far in 2024.

According to PAHO, it is important to highlight that the proportion of patients who progress to death remains low thanks to the efforts of the countries and the support of the organization, its director Jarbas Barbosa said.

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

So far in 2024, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have reported more than 9,500 cases of severe dengue fever (0.10 percent) and just over 4,500 deaths (0.048 percent).

Compared to the same period in 2023, all countries recorded increases in cases, attributed to changes and territorial expansion of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, its main vector, which has extended its reach to areas where it was not present before, favored by phenomena such as El Niño and climate change.

jrr/jav/rgh/crc