Washington, DC, August 8, 2024 (PAHO)—The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has redoubled its efforts to help Central America manage a significant increase in dengue cases, which have risen by 98% in the subregion compared to the previous year. Across the Americas, 2024 has been a record year, with more than 11 million reported cases and more than 5,900 deaths.
In response to this epidemic, PAHO has implemented a series of strategic measures. Since 2023, in collaboration with the Executive Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic (SE-COMISCA) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a comprehensive plan has been implemented that includes training in diagnosis, clinical management, and vector control.
This initiative includes the development of updated protocols and the provision of reagents to improve epidemiological and laboratory surveillance of dengue. To support decision-making in matters of prevention and control, a situation room was also created, which is accessible at all times to the technical teams of the Central American countries.
“Our efforts are focused on strengthening countries’ capacity to confront the dengue epidemic. This includes not only the rapid detection and diagnosis of cases, but also the appropriate and timely management of patients, which is crucial to reducing the severity of cases and saving lives,” said Dr. Luis Gerardo Castellanos, Chief of the Unit for Neglected, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases at PAHO.
In line with its Integrated Management Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Arboviral Diseases, PAHO has also launched virtual collaboration spaces (ECV) in several Central American countries. These spaces facilitate the real-time analysis of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data, which is crucial for the rapid identification and response to outbreaks, allowing for more effective public health decisions.
PAHO has also strengthened entomological surveillance to identify and control the population of dengue-transmitting mosquitoes, and has facilitated the procurement of insecticides and supported the operational evaluation of the use of innovative technologies, such as the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, to promote vector control. Surveillance of insecticide resistance has also been strengthened to ensure that insecticides remain effective or are replaced when necessary.
In addition, virological surveillance has been strengthened by providing reagents, as well as updating diagnostic algorithms and laboratory surveillance. Significant efforts have also been made to update national clinical guidelines and provide training to health professionals, with the aim of preventing serious cases and reducing deaths.
Community participation is essential in preventing dengue, since breeding sites in and around homes are the main sources of spread. PAHO has promoted the production and distribution of educational materials and risk communication strategies to reduce mosquito populations and control the disease. Central American countries have also been urged to organize Mosquito Awareness Week to mobilize authorities and communities to eliminate and prevent breeding sites.
PAHO’s technical missions of experts in this subregion have aimed to improve clinical diagnosis and rapid case detection, as well as to strengthen the response at the primary care level to ensure effective patient management.
With these coordinated efforts, PAHO remains committed to its mission of supporting the countries of the Americas in reducing the impact of dengue, protecting public health, and strengthening local capacities for the proper management of the disease during this record year.
