WASHINGTON (CMC):
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has urged countries of Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean to strengthen preventive measures against dengue fever.
In an epidemiological alert last Friday, PAHO pointed to the importance of strengthening surveillance, diagnosis and vector control actions, as well as preparing health services for the proper management of patients.
“The aim is to prevent complications and avoid possible overcrowding of health services,” said PAHO, noting that dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that, in most cases, has no symptoms.
“However, when symptoms do occur, they usually include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash,” it added. “Although most people recover within one to two weeks, some can develop severe forms that require hospitalization. These can be fatal when not treated promptly and properly.”
As of mid-May 2024, PAHO said the Americas region, including the Caribbean, has reported more than 8.1 million suspected cases of dengue, marking a 3.3-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
The countries with the highest number of reported cases are Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia and Mexico, while more than 3,600 dengue-related deaths have been reported throughout the region.
Meanwhile, PAHO said countries and territories in the Caribbean have reported more than 21,000 cases, representing a 5.7-fold increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
Faced with this unprecedented regional increase in dengue cases, PAHO urged countries to intensify efforts to combat the mosquito vector and the disease, for which there is no specific treatment.
In the epidemiological alert, PAHO emphasises the importance of timely clinical diagnosis, early identification of warning signs, and proper management of patients to avoid serious cases and deaths.
The health organisation also called on healthcare workers to provide clear guidance to patients and their families to monitor warning signs, and seek immediate medical attention in the event of any of these signs.
PAHO said it offers resources and training through its virtual course on dengue, available free of charge on its Virtual Campus for Public Health.
It reminded the population of the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites in their homes and surroundings, and to take precautions to avoid bites, such as the use of repellent and clothing that covers the arms and legs.