28 October 2011: Dengue – situation the Americas

Dengue and severe dengue pose a public health problem in the tropical and subtropical areas of the Region of the Americas. During 2011, Member States reported 979,774 cases of dengue, of which 15,860 presented serious forms requiring hospitalization and 692 deaths. Historical data on the number of cases and deaths registered was surpassed this year with dengue outbreaks in Paraguay, Panama and in the countries and in the non-Hispanic Caribbean, such as Aruba, the Bahamas, and Saint Lucia. The introduction of Dengue 4 was also observed in Panama and in some states of Brazil where it had not previously circulated.

In light of this situation, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) reminds Member States, especially those located in the southern hemisphere of the recommendations to reduce morbidity, fatality and the social and economic burden generated by dengue outbreaks and epidemics.