Dengue cases in the Americas have reached a record high, with over 5.2 million reported this week, surpassing last year’s total, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The situation is described as an emergency by PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa, as countries in the southern hemisphere are the worst affected, particularly Brazil, which has declared a public health emergency.
In Peru, the epidemic has led to more than 155,000 cases and 146 deaths, prompting health alerts in 20 out of 25 regions. Despite some stabilization in South American hotspots, PAHO warns that countries in the northern hemisphere need to prepare for a potential increase in cases with the arrival of spring.
The rise of dengue is attributed to various factors like rising temperatures and inadequate sanitation services, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While the Americas have reported fewer deaths compared to last year, PAHO emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper medical care to reduce severe cases.
To control the outbreak, PAHO recommends surveillance, vector control, and clinical management strategies. While there is no specific treatment for dengue, early access to medical care can help reduce the likelihood of severe cases. The virus is endemic in over 100 countries, mostly in urban areas, and in US territories like Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
Vocabulary List:
- Dengue (noun): A mosquito-borne viral infection causing flu-like symptoms.
- Americas (noun): The continents of North and South America collectively.
- Epidemic (noun): A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
- Sanitation (noun): Conditions relating to public healthespecially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.
- Endemic (adjective): Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
- Surveillance (noun): Close observationespecially of a suspected disease outbreak.
