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A surge in cases of a mosquito-borne illness in South America has prompted health officials to declare an "emergency situation," raising concerns about its potential spread to North America. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a record 5.2 million cases of dengue by mid-April, surpassing the previous year's total.
PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa issued a warning regarding the troubling figures, noting that while South American nations have been most affected, the approaching change in seasons and warmer weather pose an increasing risk for North America.
"Most cases in the southern hemisphere occur in the first half of the year, and most cases in the northern hemisphere occur in the second half," explained PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin. "This year, we have observed a peak in cases in the south, and we anticipate a rise in cases in the north.
Brazil declared a state of emergency in February due to a spike in dengue cases, while Peru has placed 20 of its 25 regions on health alert. The reported 1,858 deaths from dengue by mid-April are closing in on the total of 2,418 in 2023.
With global temperatures on the rise due to human-caused pollution, conditions for mosquito breeding are becoming favorable earlier and lasting longer. This has raised concerns about other mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya.
In Peru, hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of dengue cases, treating over 2,000 patients in 2024 compared to 900 in all of 2023. Although a vaccine for dengue is available, it does not immediately interrupt outbreaks but can help reduce health complications and deaths.
PAHO has called for a surveillance strategy to track the disease's spread and control the mosquito vector responsible for virus transmission. Improving healthcare services' capacity to handle the rising cases is also a priority.
Baldwin emphasized that most dengue cases are mild and early detection can reduce the risk of severe cases. Limiting the rise in global temperatures will help by reducing mosquitoes' breeding capability, as they lay their eggs in warm water.
Reducing daily pollution is crucial, and collective action can have a significant impact. For example, voting for pro-climate candidates can lead to the introduction of laws and policies that limit planet-warming gases. Local actions, such as improving public transport and increasing recycling, can also contribute positively to the environment and save money on energy bills.