Severe Dengue Prepping for Summer 2023

The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recently stated the seasonality of dengue in Central America and the Caribbean is a concern and recommends that Member States prepare plans to face possible outbreaks during the summer of 2023.

In 2023, through week #24, of the 2,102,848 dengue cases reported in the Region, 3,201 (0.15%) were classified as severe dengue.

Additionally, in the same period, 876 deaths were reported in the Region (case fatality rate: 0.042%).

The greatest number of dengue cases was observed in Brazil, with 1,515,460 cases, followed by Peru, with 169,504 
patients and Bolivia with 133,452 cases.

Regarding the number of severe dengue cases, Brazil led with 654 instances, Colombia with 652 instances, Peru with 597, Bolivia with 590 patients, and Mexico with 573 cases, says the PAHO/WHO.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue is a vectorborne infectious disease caused by four dengue viruses and is endemic in about 125 countries. 

The CDC recently reissued a Travel Health Advisory regarding dengue outbreaks in Asia and the Pacific Islands.

In the U.S., Florida has reported the most locally-acquire and travel-related dengue cases in 2023.

Dengue is also a vaccine-preventable disease. In 2022, a seconded dengue vaccine was approved for use by certain countries.