Global Dengue Surge Calls for Proactive Prevention

The global rise in dengue cases underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies, says Eduardo Lazcano, Director General, National Institute of Public Health (INSP). The increase in cases has been driven by urbanization, climate change, and the movement of people and goods, which facilitate the spread of dengue and its primary vector, the Aedes mosquito.

The 2024 dengue epidemic has seen more than 13 million cases and over 8,500 deaths worldwide, nearly double the number from 2023, according to Lazcano. Despite the growing burden, there is no effective vaccine or specific treatment for dengue, making control and prevention efforts critical to protecting public health.

The key to mitigating dengue infections is controlling mosquito populations through the reduction of breeding sites. This can be highly effective when performed regularly and with the active involvement of local communities. Education plays a pivotal role in these efforts. The public must be informed about the mosquitoes that transmit the disease and the risks posed by nearby breeding habitats. Community-driven initiatives are crucial for sustained success in managing vector populations, according to Lazcano..

Mexico reported 28.1% of the severe and hemorrhagic dengue cases the world saw between 1980 and 2024, according to Jorge Méndez, Head of the Unit for Emerging Disease Research, Children's Hospital of Mexico "Federico Gómez." He highlights the importance of community and health authority participation in reducing transmissions. 

As dengue cases continue to increase globally, experts agree that a coordinated, community-driven approach combined with proactive health strategies and new technologies is essential to curbing the spread of the disease and protecting vulnerable populations.