Honduras Declares National Health Emergency Amid Dengue Fever Surge

Honduras has declared a national health emergency following a significant rise in dengue fever cases. In the first 20 weeks of 2024, the country has reported 23,037 suspected cases, marking one of the highest totals in the Americas.

This alarming increase is part of a larger regional outbreak that has seen over 8.65 million cases in Central America and the Caribbean in the initial five months of 2024. This figure is nearly double the 4.5 million cases reported in all of 2023, which was a record at the time.

Brazil has been the hardest hit, with 7.2 million cases reported so far. However, the southern region of the Americas is currently experiencing a decline in infections, while Central America and the Caribbean are entering their peak dengue seasons.

Honduras ranks second in the Central American Isthmus and Mexico Subregion in terms of the highest number of cases, trailing only Mexico, which has identified more than 69,000 cases. The Honduran Ministry of Health stated, 'Honduras has stepped into the epidemic zone because of the surge of cases in all parts of the nation, with a rising number of hospital admissions from the disease.'

Why this matters: The surge in dengue fever cases in Honduras and the broader region has significant implications for public health and national economies. If left unchecked, the outbreak could lead to increased mortality, healthcare system overload, and economic losses.

In response to the outbreak, the Honduran government has instructed health officials to implement all necessary measures, including applying prevention and control strategies and identifying funds to support the response effort. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that countries in the affected areas prepare for the increase in dengue cases by organizing health services to ensure proper clinical management and prevent complications.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus spread mainly through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries other viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to death in severe cases.

Experts warn that large dengue outbreaks could become more common in the future as a result of climate change causing longer and warmer rainy seasons. The resilience of the transmitting mosquito and socioeconomic conditions also contribute to the spread of the disease.

Pharmaceutical companies have been developing dengue vaccines, with CYD-TDV (Dengvaxia) being the first prequalified vaccine on the WHO list of medicines. A second prequalified vaccine, Tak-003 (Qdenga), was announced by the WHO on May 10. Vaccines are indicated for the prevention of severe dengue fever from the age of nine.

PAHO has urged countries to adopt measures to stop the epidemic, emphasizing the need to strengthen surveillance, triage, diagnosis, and timely and adequate management of cases.

Key Takeaways

• Honduras declares national health emergency due to dengue fever outbreak.
• 23,037 suspected cases reported in Honduras in 2024, one of the highest in the Americas.
• Central America and the Caribbean see 8.65 million cases in 5 months, nearly double 2023's total.
• Dengue fever outbreak poses significant risks to public health and national economies.
• Vaccines available, but climate change and socioeconomic conditions may worsen outbreaks.