Dengue Cases Surge in Central and South America Post-Covid

Post-Covid data has revealed a significant increase in dengue cases in the region of Central and South America.  In 2019, the region 3.18 million cases of dengue, but 2022 surpassed that figure with 4.5 million cases registered.  About a month ago, however, the alarm was sounded when some 10.1 million cases were reported up to the first 24 weeks of this year.  Kim Bautista, the Chief of Vector Control Operations in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, says that on the local level, the increase is not as alarming but they are taking precautionary measures.

Earlier this month, we aired the concerns of residents and officials in the south when an increase of dengue cases was noted.  According to Bautista, the districts that have ordinarily registered the highest cases of dengue are Cayo, Orange Walk and Toledo.  

Bautista noted that sporadic cases registered in other parts of the country, health officials observed drums, buckets and bottles lying around which are ideal breeding sites for mosquitos.