Dengue viruses are spread by the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes.

Latin America and the Caribbean have reported 9.3 million cases of dengue so far this year, twice the number of cases reported in all of 2023.

Dr Horace Cox, head of Vector-Borne Diseases at the PanAmerican Health Organisation, is urging residents of the region to be mindful of the threat of Dengue Fever.

Dr Cox explains that contrary to common belief, getting checked out by medical professionals is crucial.

“One often dismisses the disease as that is self-limiting, meaning that for dengue, you can just take symptomatic treatment, whether it's an analgesic, you can rest, you can be hydrated, but it's a misconception. So especially at a time like this, I strongly recommend that persons go to the nearest health facility and access that level of care,” the PAHO Officials explained.

As a result of the increase in cases of dengue fever in the southern hemisphere and the beginning of the season of increased transmission in the northern hemisphere, PAHO the Caribbean to strengthen preventive measures against this disease.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that, in most cases, has no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they usually include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.

Although most people recover within one to two weeks, some can develop severe forms that require hospitalisation. These can be fatal when not treated promptly and properly.