All articles tagged with #paho
Chile becomes the first country in the Americas and the second globally to be verified by WHO/PAHO as having eliminated leprosy, a milestone achieved after decades of surveillance, prevention, early diagnosis, and universal access to care within a strong, inclusive health system that maintains vigilance against any future cases.
An international review of whether the United States has eliminated measles has been postponed from April to November as U.S. and PAHO officials gather comprehensive data, including genome sequencing, on the 2025 outbreaks; PAHO scrapped the April session and will address the status at its November meeting. The delay is intended to allow thorough, transparent analysis, not signal delays, and the review timeline remains one year from the start of the major 2025 outbreak, even as US measles cases in early 2026 already exceed typical annual totals.
Guyana is the only Caribbean country with a confirmed case of Oropouche fever, a viral disease spreading across the Americas, primarily transmitted by midges, with no current vaccine or specific treatment. PAHO emphasizes the need for surveillance, vector control, and public health measures to prevent further spread, especially as climate change and urbanization increase midge populations.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has raised concerns over significant increases in dengue, Oropouche fever, and avian influenza (H5N1) in the Americas, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Over 12.6 million cases and 7,700 deaths have been reported in 2024, with Brazil experiencing nearly 10 million dengue cases. PAHO emphasizes that effective strategies are being implemented to control these outbreaks. Oropouche fever has spread to new areas, with Brazil being the most affected. No cases of Oropouche or bird flu have been reported in Jamaica this year.
The Americas are experiencing a record dengue outbreak with over 12.6 million cases and 7,700 deaths this year, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico are the hardest hit, accounting for the majority of cases and fatalities. Children are particularly vulnerable, with significant numbers of severe cases and deaths reported among young populations in several countries. The outbreak is exacerbated by climate conditions and poor waste management, which facilitate mosquito breeding.
Honduras has declared a national health emergency due to a significant rise in dengue cases, with 23,037 suspected cases reported in the first 20 weeks of the year. The government is implementing prevention and control measures to manage the outbreak, as Central America and the Caribbean enter their peak dengue seasons. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization recommend countries prepare for increased dengue cases to ensure adequate clinical management and prevent healthcare system saturation.
Cuba's health ministry has reported cases of the Oropouche virus in Santiago province, with patients showing improvement within days. The Pan American Health Organization has noted rising cases in the Americas, urging enhanced surveillance. The virus, spread by biting midges and mosquitoes, presents symptoms similar to dengue.
A new WHO report reveals a 30% increase in syphilis cases among adults aged 15 to 49 in the Americas, including the Caribbean, from 2020 to 2022. The region now has the highest global incidence, with 3.37 million cases. Factors contributing to the rise include lack of awareness, healthcare access disparities, and stigma. The report also highlights a 28% increase in syphilis among pregnant women, leading to more congenital syphilis cases. PAHO urges enhanced prenatal care, universal testing, and timely treatment to eliminate syphilis by 2030.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has reported over 5.2 million cases of dengue in the Americas, surpassing the 2023 yearly record, with Brazil being the hardest hit. PAHO warns that countries in the northern hemisphere should prepare for an increase in cases as spring approaches. Factors contributing to the rise in cases include rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and inadequate water and sanitation services. While a vaccine is available, it is not capable of immediately interrupting outbreaks, and PAHO recommends focusing on surveillance, mosquito control, and clinical management to control the outbreak.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has declared an "emergency situation" in the Americas due to a surge in dengue cases, with over 5.2 million cases reported this year, marking a 48% increase. While Argentina and Brazil have seen a stabilization in cases, the outbreak remains severe. PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the limited availability of the dengue vaccine and cautioned that its impact on the current outbreak would take time. Dengue symptoms range from fever and headaches to severe hemorrhagic fever, and the illness has resulted in over 1,800 deaths in the region.
Jamaica's Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, believes the country has "passed the worst" of the dengue outbreak, despite a surge in cases reported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in the Caribbean. As of March 27, Jamaica recorded 11,101 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of dengue, with higher case rates in specific age groups and regions. Tufton emphasized the responsiveness of the public education system and home visits, and noted that the tourism sector is taking precautions to protect visitors. While acknowledging the cyclical nature of dengue outbreaks, Tufton expressed confidence in the country's response and emphasized the importance of public awareness and education.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched 12 open calls for experts to join its new Strategic Advisory Groups, which will advise the organization on various technical issues such as disease elimination, mental health, climate change, and maternal mortality. This initiative is part of PAHO's broader approach to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability under the PAHO Forward Initiative, aiming to ensure transparent processes for establishing the groups and their membership. Prospective experts interested in joining the Strategic Advisory Groups can submit their CVs, and successful applicants will serve in an individual capacity for a three-year term, renewable once.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a warning about a significant increase in dengue cases in the Caribbean, with over 3.5 million cases and more than 1,000 deaths reported in the region as of March 26. The hardest-hit countries are Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, accounting for 92% of cases and 87% of deaths. PAHO attributes the increase to the higher transmission season in the southern hemisphere, environmental and social factors, and the presence of all four dengue serotypes in the region. PAHO emphasizes the importance of prompt action to prevent and control dengue transmission, urging intensified efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect against mosquito bites.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is calling on countries in the Americas to increase access to diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B and C in order to eliminate the disease in the region by 2030. PAHO highlights that while hepatitis can become chronic, it can be effectively controlled with medicines if detected early. Currently, only a small percentage of those with hepatitis are aware of their condition and receive treatment. PAHO emphasizes the need for increased investment in diagnostics and medicines, as well as the availability of affordable options, to scale up access to treatment and prevent liver cancer and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Belize as malaria-free, making it the fourth country in the Americas and the second in Central America to achieve this status in the last five years. Belize's success in eliminating malaria was due to strong surveillance, access to diagnosis, and effective vector control methods. The country also collaborated with neighboring countries and participated in regional initiatives to keep malaria at the forefront of their public health agenda. This achievement contributes to PAHO's Disease Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases, including malaria, in the Americas by 2030.