PAHO says Latin America and the Caribbean has reported 9.3 million cases of dengue so far this year, twice the number of cases reported last year.

It noted that 9,500 cases were severe dengue, and there were just over 4500 deaths in this region from the mosquito-borne disease.

In Guyana, at least four people have died so far this year from dengue fever.

The country’s Health Minister says there have also been an estimated 400 people hospitalized with dengue in the country.

He said they have been pushing for increased spraying and getting people to keep their surroundings clean, to prevent mosquito breeding.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s capacity to respond to its current dengue outbreak has been bolstered by lab equipment donated by USAID.

As of March 27th, 2024, that country recorded 11,101 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of dengue.

The new equipment, valued at 250 thousand dollars, will allow the country to quickly detect dengue in patients presenting symptoms.