Explore current dengue virus research in Latin America, focusing on rising case numbers, vector control challenges, vaccine development, and public health responses amid record-breaking outbreaks.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is more than an environmental nuisance, it’s a growing public health risk. A new study reveals that brief exposure to nighttime light can double the biting rate of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, heightening the risk of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya transmission across Latin America’s rapidly urbanizing regions. As cities grow brighter, so does the hidden danger buzzing in the dark.
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are key vectors behind dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Discover how their feeding habits, infection rates, and adaptability fuel global arbovirus outbreaks.
Uncover how dengue virus triggers fever, pain, and rash. Learn key dengue fever symptoms and safe over-the-counter treatments.
Women in Latin America may face a higher risk of severe dengue due to biological, social, and behavioral factors. From pregnancy complications to increased mosquito exposure at home, the dangers are real. This post explores why women need extra protection, and the top three steps they can take to stay safe during dengue outbreaks.
As Latin American women continue to lead in politics, science, and entrepreneurship, they face a quieter but growing threat: dengue. In 2024 alone, the region saw over 13 million dengue cases, with new research revealing that women, especially those of reproductive age, are more likely to suffer severe complications. From biological factors like estrogen’s impact on immunity to social roles that increase mosquito exposure, the gender gap in arboviral infections is real and urgent. With evidence mounting from countries like Brazil, experts are calling for gender-sensitive public health strategies, including targeted vector control, reproductive care, and expanded vaccine access to protect those most at risk.
Climate change is fueling dengue outbreaks in Latin America. Learn how extreme heat and AI models in Brazil are reshaping global disease surveillance.
Figure 1. Anti-dengue campaign in Autlán, Mexico. Source: perliux via Flickr. Like Colombia and other Latin American countries, Mexico has faced growing threats from Aedes aegypti– borne viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Statistically speaking, dengue cases surged by 385 % in Mexico during epidemiological week 24 of 2024. Shockingly, 59% of these cases…
Mexico faces a growing dengue epidemic in 2025. Learn which virus strains, regions, and risk factors are driving severe cases and hospital deaths.
Despite rising dengue outbreaks, many Latin American countries struggle with fragmented mosquito surveillance, limited diagnostics, and underfunded public health systems. Without stronger surveillance and investment, the true scale of dengue transmission remains hidden, delaying effective responses.
Figure 1. CDC Gravid Trap for mosquito surveillance and pathogen testing. Source: NIAID, Flickr. In 2024, Latin America and the Caribbean faced the worst dengue outbreak in recorded history, with over 12.6 million suspected cases and more than 7,700 deaths, according to a recent Reuters report. The crisis has escalated into a major public health…
Artificial intelligence is transforming mosquito control in Brazil by enhancing biological strategies like Wolbachia deployment, predator analysis, and drone-assisted hotspot detection. As shown in research by Beraldo et al., integrating AI with nature-based methods offers a smarter, more sustainable path to dengue prevention, reducing reliance on pesticides while empowering communities.
Dengue is exploding across Latin America, with over 12 million cases and 1,000+ deaths reported in 2024 alone. What’s driving this surge? From invasive mosquito species and fast-evolving viruses to vaccine gaps and climate extremes, the region is facing a perfect storm of risk. In this post, we break down five key factors fueling the spike, and what it means for the future of public health in Latin America.
