OPS pide a países del hemisferio sur prepararse para posible aumento de enfermedades respiratorias y el dengue – OPS/OMS

Washington, DC, May 10, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an instant epidemiological alert to countries in the southern hemisphere to prepare for a possible simultaneous increase in influenza and other respiratory viruses, and dengue . .

With the beginning of the season of greatest circulation of respiratory diseases, and given the persistent circulation of dengue in several countries, PAHO recommends taking measures to strengthen health services. The objective is to guarantee adequate medical care for patients, prevent complications and avoid saturation of health services.

PAHO emphasizes the importance of planning the effective use of available resources, including personnel, equipment and medical supplies, to face an eventual simultaneous increase in cases of respiratory diseases and dengue.

Early identification and proper management of dengue cases are crucial to reduce hospitalizations due to severe dengue and alleviate the burden on the most complex levels of care, which will focus on treating severe cases of respiratory virus infections, the Organization notes in the epidemiological alert published this week.

So far in 2024, the Southern Cone has reported more than 6.1 million suspected cases of dengue (most in Brazil), which represents an increase of 333% compared to the same period in 2023. The Andean region, Meanwhile, it has reported more than 334,000 suspected cases, 42% more than in the same period of the previous year.

For its part, the circulation of respiratory viruses in the Southern Cone has varied, with an increase in influenza in the last four weeks. In the Andean subregion, although severe cases of acute respiratory infections have remained stable and low, the proportion of positive cases for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has increased.

PAHO also highlights the importance of providing guidance to health professionals on the appropriate clinical management of dengue and influenza cases in higher risk groups: people with comorbidities and pregnant women, for dengue; and those over 65 years of age, under 5 years of age, pregnant women, postpartum women, people with obesity, those with underlying chronic respiratory conditions, and the immunocompromised, for influenza.