Latin America Faces Persistent Dengue Cycle as Root Causes Remain Unaddressed

Latin America experienced two consecutive years of unprecedented dengue epidemics. In 2025, cases dropped 64% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). However, a panel of 17 specialists from Latin America and the United States published a study in the journal Vaccines warning that the underlying conditions driving recent epidemics remain unchanged: climate change, unplanned urbanization, and mosquito resistance to insecticides. Governments typically respond to outbreaks with fumigation trucks and reinforced medical care, but once cases decline, emergency measures are withdrawn. The cycle of epidemics and emergencies persists without addressing root causes.

Global Impact

The study's warning has significant public health implications for Latin America, where dengue is endemic and outbreaks strain healthcare systems. Economically, the cycle of epidemics imposes recurring costs on governments and insurers, with no long-term mitigation strategy.