Latin America Faces Record Dengue Epidemic with 12.6 Million Cases Reported in 2024

The Pan-American Health Organization attributes the surge in infections and over 7,700 deaths to rising temperatures and favorable mosquito breeding conditions.

• The 2024 dengue epidemic is the worst since records began in 1980, with cases nearly tripling compared to 2023.
• 90% of the 12.6 million cases in Latin America were concentrated in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.
• Children are disproportionately affected, with 70% of dengue-related deaths in Guatemala occurring among minors.
• Experts link the outbreak to climate change, as rising temperatures and heavy rainfall create ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation.
• Efforts to combat the epidemic include vaccination campaigns and mosquito control programs, though these measures offer limited immediate relief.

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