Dengue cases set a new record in the Americas this year as deaths also surge

SAN JUAN (AP) — Dengue fever is sweeping across the Caribbean and the Americas, with a record 12.6 million suspected cases of the mosquito-transmitted virus reported this year, nearly triple the number from last year, health officials said Tuesday.

Cases of dengue have been surging globally as warmer weather brought on by climate change enables mosquitoes to expand their reach.

The Pan American Health Organization —the regional office of the World Health Organization in the Americas — said deaths from dengue are also rising.

More than 7,700 deaths have been reported in the Caribbean and the Americas so far in 2024, a more than 200% increase, compared to 2,467 deaths in 2023, according to the organization.

The number of cases in the region, which includes the United States, is the highest reported since record keeping began in 1980, PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa said at a news conference.

“This is linked directly to climatic events,” he said, referencing warmer temperatures, droughts and flooding. A fast population growth, unplanned urbanization and poor sanitation have contributed to the rise in dengue.