Through the first week in November 2018, a total of 446,150 cases of dengue were reported (incidence of 45.9 cases per 100,000 population), including 240 deaths, according to UN officials.

171,123 were laboratory-confirmed and 2,164 (0.49%) were classified as severe dengue.

Western hemisphere map Public domain image/ E Pluribus Anthony
Western hemisphere map
Public domain image/ E Pluribus Anthony

13 countries in the Americas reported an increase in cases nationally or in parts of the country (compared to the same period in 2017): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

In 2018, the number of cases reported to date is similar to the total registered in 2017, and if this trend continues, it could exceed the total reported in that year.

Outbreak News TV

Compared to previous years, the total number of cases reported by the end of 2017 (581,207) was less than that reported in 2016 (2,178,929) and the lowest in the past ten years. However, the proportion of cases of severe dengue reported in 2017 was higher than the two previous years.

The four dengue virus serotypes (DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3, and DENV 4) are circulating simultaneously in some countries of the Region, which increases the risk of severe dengue, and therefore, could cause an additional burden on health services.

Dengue: Locally-acquired case reported in Miami-Dade County, Florida

If timely interventions are not applied to control the vector, Aedes aegypti, an increase in cases could be expected in 2019—the magnitude of which will depend on the intensity and effectiveness of the control and prevention measures implemented.


Related: