The Pan American Health Organization (Paho) said on Tuesday that the number of dengue fever cases in Central and South America had nearly tripled to a record high this year.
According to Paho, the outbreak is the largest in the area since data have been kept since 1980, with over 12.6 million illnesses and 7,700 fatalities.
The majority of the virus’s cases and fatalities occurred in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia), and North America (Mexico).
A virus spread by mosquitoes, dengue can occasionally result in fatalities or severe sickness.
Deaf mosquitoes avoid having sex, which is a novel technique to combat dengue. The illness causes a blotchy rash, a fever, a sharp headache, pain behind the eyes, and pain in the muscles and joints.
