Viruses

Which mosquito traps work best? A study in the Peruvian Amazon found that UV light traps outperformed others, capturing more mosquitoes and greater species diversity. The results show that different traps attract different species and that forest areas harbor far more mosquitoes than human-occupied sites, highlighting the importance of trap choice for effective dengue surveillance.

Dengue is rising across Latin America, and new research reveals who is most at risk. This review highlights the key factors linked to severe disease, like secondary infections, certain symptoms, and vulnerable age groups—so you can recognize danger early and stay protected.

Brazil is facing a major dengue surge in 2024, driven by the reemergence of the DENV-3 serotype after 15 years. New surveillance data reveal nearly 2 million suspected cases in just three months, with women, children, and Indigenous people disproportionately affected. As climate pressures, social inequality, and low immunity collide, Brazil now accounts for much of Latin America’s rising dengue burden, highlighting urgent gaps in vaccination, mosquito control, and equitable healthcare access.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, but chikungunya dominates infection rates in Mérida, Yucatán. This study highlights how mosquito density influences transmission and why accurate surveillance is critical for preventing 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.

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.