Health officials warn as outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases overwhelms hospitals: ‘Emergency’

Rising cases of mosquito-borne diseases in South America are creating an “emergency” according to a health official, with fears they could soon become more common in North America.

What is going on?

As CNN detailed, the Pan American Health Organization reported that 5.2 million cases of dengue had been reported by mid-April, surpassing the annual record set in 2023.

PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa warned of the ’emergency’ over the disturbing figures. Although South American countries have been hardest hit by the infections, the changing seasons and warmer weather will bring a greater risk to North America.

“Most cases in the Southern Hemisphere occur in the first half of the year, and most cases in the Northern Hemisphere occur in the second half of the year,” said PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin. “So far this year we have seen a spike in cases in the south, and we now expect to see an increase in cases in the north.”

Brazil declared a state of emergency in February over rising dengue cases, while Peru placed 20 of its 25 regions under a health alert.

The 1,858 deaths from dengue reported in mid-April are already approaching the 2023 total of 2,418.

Why is this so worrying?

As global temperatures rise due to man-made pollution, conditions for mosquito breeding become favorable earlier and for longer.

In addition to dengue, other mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya are also of concern.

In Peru, dengue cases are overwhelming in hospitals, with CNN reporting that more than 2,000 patients were treated for the disease in 2024, compared to the 900 admitted to hospitals in all of 2023.

What can be done about the risk of dengue?

Barbosa noted that a vaccine is available against dengue. While it won’t help immediately interrupt outbreaks, it can help reduce health complications and deaths.

Elsewhere, PAHO has called for a surveillance strategy to monitor the spread of the disease, as well as measures to control the mosquito vector that leads to virus transmission and improve the capacity of health care services to tackle rising cases.

But Baldwin noted that most cases of dengue are mild and that early detection can help reduce the risk of the disease leading to severe cases.

Meanwhile, curbing global temperature rise will help limit mosquitoes’ ability to reproduce. The insects lay their eggs in warm water, and if conditions allow a longer breeding cycle, their presence will last year-round.

Reducing the pollution we produce every day is essential, and while it may seem like we can’t do much individually, collective voices can have a big impact.

For example, voting for pro-climate candidates will help introduce laws and policies to limit emissions of planet-warming gases.

Taking local action can also encourage community efforts to take planet-positive actions, such as introducing better public transportation options, increasing recycling potential and starting solar energy generation programs – which local residents can also do help save money on energy bills.

Sign up for our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives And saving our planet.