The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released a new epidemiological update on dengue in the Americas, stressing the need for countries to reinforce prevention, surveillance, and health system preparedness while remaining alert to changes in the epidemiological situation. In 2025, the region reported 4,459,521 suspected cases and 1,682,588 confirmed cases of dengue, including 8,966 severe cases and 2,207 deaths, representing a 66% decrease in cases and a 74% reduction in deaths compared with 2024.
Dengue trends varied across subregions, with the Southern Cone recording the highest number of cases despite a 65% decline from 2024, while the Caribbean experienced a 7% increase and more than double the average cases reported between 2019 and 2023. The Andean region and Central America & Mexico saw declines compared with the previous year. All four dengue virus serotypes circulated simultaneously, underscoring the ongoing risk of outbreaks and severe cases.
In early 2026, up to the end of January, 122,090 cases were reported, including 22,409 laboratory-confirmed cases, 242 severe cases, and six deaths, marking an 83% decrease in cases and a 98% reduction in deaths compared with the same period in 2025. PAHO emphasizes the importance of integrated surveillance—covering epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and entomological aspects—along with vector control in high-risk areas, early clinical diagnosis, and monitoring of warning signs to ensure timely case management.
PAHO also advises countries to adapt health services to provide timely, quality care, prioritize virological testing for confirmation, and maintain clear laboratory protocols to enable early detection and mitigate hospital burden.
