Cases of #dengue #fever have been surging globally as warmer weather brought on by climate change enables mosquitoes to expand their reach.
The Pan American Health Organization 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.
The virus has surged worldwide since last year and spread to areas previously free of dengue, according to PAHO.