Latin America is currently experiencing its worst dengue epidemic since records began in 1980. This year, 12.6 million cases were reported, almost three times as many as in 2023. Most people were infected in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina .
Dengue fever is sometimes called “bone-breaking disease” because of the pain. Fever, rash and headache, muscle, limb, bone or joint pain are typical. The disease is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito and is widespread in the tropics and subtropics.
Not every infected person becomes ill; in many cases the course is mild. However, in one to five percent of cases the disease progresses seriously or even ends fatally. Children are especially at risk.
“In countries like Guatemala, 70 percent of dengue-related deaths occur in children,” said Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This year, a total of more than 7,700 people in Latin America died from the viral disease.
Poor wastewater management
The reason for the serious epidemic was the favorable conditions for the mosquitoes, including heavy rainfall and high temperatures. Furthermore, according to PAHO, unregulated housing construction and poor wastewater management promote the spread of the virus.
Programs are underway in several countries to release modified mosquitoes that prevent the growth of viruses. “Vaccination will not stop the spread of the virus in the short or medium term and will not provide immediate relief in the event of an outbreak,” Barbosa said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
