Dengue: an escalating public health problem in Latin America

Abstract

Dengue infection is a significant and escalating public health problem in Latin America. Its re-emergence and subsequent rise in the region over the past 50 years has largely been caused by a combination of a lack of political will, the radical growth of urban populations, migration flow and insufficient financial resources. Its increased incidence has been compounded by climate change, poor sanitation and extreme poverty, which lead to more breeding sites of the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. In order to control dengue effectively, an integrated approach incorporating vector management and environmental and social solutions is required. To achieve success, these programmes require commitment and responses at both national and community level. The development of a vaccine is a vital tool in the fight against dengue. For successful introduction, those implementing vaccination need to be educated on the value of such a strategy. Effective political leadership, innovative financial mechanisms and co-operation across all disciplines, sectors and national borders are essential to eradication of the disease.

Figure 1

Average dengue incidence per 100,000 by country in the Americas, 1980–2010

Figure 2

Global urban and rural population growth in developed and underdeveloped areas from 1950 to 2050. Reprinted from Lancet Infect Dis, 11, Alirol E, Getaz L, Stoll B, Chappuis F, Loutan L, Urbanisation and infectious diseases in a globalised world, 131–241, Copyright 2012, with permission from Elsevier