Dengue Fever Deaths Rise in Americas Amid Climate Crisis

Dengue fever deaths and cases surge in the Americas in 2024, driven by climate change and expanding mosquito habitats.

Deaths from dengue fever have surged throughout the Caribbean and the Americas in 2024, with over 7,700 recorded thus far, an increase of more than 200% from the 2,467 deaths registered in 2023.The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has confirmed a record 12.6 million suspected cases of the mosquito-borne virus this year, almost three times as many as recorded last year. This marks the highest number of cases since data collection began in 1980.

Health officials attribute this rise in cases directly to climate change. The warmer temperatures, droughts, and flooding open up the habitats of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vectors of the disease. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and poor sanitation in some regions have further added to the situation.

Brazil has reported the most cases, with over 10 million infections, followed by Argentina with more than 580,000 and Mexico with over 500,000. In the Caribbean, Guyana leads with over 41,000 cases. Local dengue transmission has also been reported in the United States, specifically in California, Florida, and Texas.

Dengue fever has its peak season in the rainy season, but Puerto Rico declared it an epidemic last March after a sharp surge. More than 4,900 cases have already been recorded and at least nine deaths. Costa Rica, Mexico, and Paraguay see one-third of cases with children aged 15 years and below; Guatemala sees high numbers of child fatalities.

Although vaccines have become available in countries such as Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, they are mostly effective for previously infected children and are not always available. Experts say that prevention with a strong emphasis on removing mosquito-breeding areas is still the most effective strategy to fight this disease.