OPS llama a fortalecer las medidas contra el mosquito Aedes aegypti para combatir el dengue – OPS/OMS
Washington, DC, February 20, 2024 (PAHO) – In a new epidemiological alert, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reiterated its call to the countries of the Americas to intensify mosquito control efforts and actions. Aedes aegypti, the main transmitting vector of dengue. The call arises due to the significant increase in reported cases in several countries in the region during the first weeks of 2024.
According to the alert published on February 16, the Americas experienced in 2023 the year with the highest number of dengue cases since records began, totaling 4,565,911 cases and 2,340 deaths. This high transmission has persisted in 2024, with 673,267 cases (almost 85% in the Southern Cone) and 102 deaths reported until the first days of February.
The figures represent an increase of 157% compared to the same period last year and an increase of 225% compared to the average of the last five years. During the first five weeks of 2024, once countries and territories, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru, reported an increase in dengue cases.
In the alert, PAHO urges to maintain and reinforce surveillance actions, early diagnosis and timely treatment of dengue cases. Likewise, it advocates organizing care service networks to facilitate access and proper management of patients, with the aim of preventing complications and functions.
In addition, PAHO calls for intensifying communication campaigns to encourage community participation in reducing mosquito breeding sites and promoting the search for timely medical attention.
