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.
Oropouche virus (OROV) and dengue virus (DENV) share overlapping symptoms like fever and headache, but key differences, such as sore throat and abdominal pain, can help with early diagnosis and effective treatment. This article breaks down the latest clinical findings, explores the biological mechanisms behind these symptoms, and recommends safe over-the-counter (OTC) remedies to manage discomfort without the risks of NSAIDs.
New 2025 research reveals key differences between Oropouche fever and dengue virus infections. Learn how to spot predominant symptoms like sore throat and abdominal pain that can help distinguish OROV from DENV during outbreaks in Latin America.
As climate change reshapes ecosystems across Latin America, a silent viral threat is emerging: the Oropouche virus (OROV). Once confined to forested regions, OROV is now infecting thousands in urban centers—spread by tiny midges thriving in warmer, wetter environments. With no vaccine or treatment, and symptoms that mimic dengue, the virus is spreading under the radar. This article explores how deforestation, rising temperatures, and rapid urbanization are fueling OROV’s rise, and what must be done to stop it.
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…
Colombia continues to be one of the countries most impacted by dengue fever in Latin America. A recent study by Jaramillo-Ramirez et al. published in Scientific Reports, sheds new light on how community knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions shape the spread of this mosquito-borne disease. Conducted in Restrepo, Meta (a dengue-endemic municipality) the research reveals…
In 2024, Colombia faced its worst dengue outbreak in history—reporting over 290,000 cases and ranking among the top five globally. Driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and virus diversity, the surge exposed deep public health challenges. But innovative strategies, like deploying Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Cali, are offering new hope for sustainable dengue control in Latin America.
