Latin America's Dengue Outbreak Poses a Global Health Threat

Author(s)

de Almeida, Michelle Teixeira ; Merighi, Davi Gabriel Salustiano ; Visnardi, Aline Biazola ; Goncalves, Caue Augusto Boneto ; Amorim, Vitor Martins de Freitas ; Ferrari, Anielle Salviano de Almeida ; de Souza, Anacleto Silva ; Guzzo, Cristiane Rodrigues

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Viruses-Basel; v. 17, n. 1, p. 32-pg., 2025-01-01.

Abstract

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Recent increases in indigenous DENV cases in Europe are concerning, reflecting rising incidence linked to climate change and the spread of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors thrive under environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, which are increasingly influenced by climate change. Additionally, global travel accelerates the cross-border spread of mosquito-borne diseases. DENV manifests clinically in a spectrum from asymptomatic cases to severe conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, influenced by viral serotype and host factors. In 2024, Brazil experienced a fourfold increase in dengue cases compared to 2023, accompanied by higher mortality. Conventional control measures, such as vector control, community engagement, and vaccination, proved insufficient as climate change exacerbated mosquito proliferation, challenging containment efforts. In this regard, our review analyzes prevention measures and therapeutic protocols during the outbreak while addressing DENV transmission dynamics, clinical presentations, and epidemiological shifts. It also evaluates diagnostic strategies combining clinical assessment with serological and molecular testing, providing information to improve diagnostic and preventive measures. The global expansion of dengue-endemic regions, including outbreaks in Europe, highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, proactive interventions, and international collaboration to mitigate the growing threat of Dengue and other arboviruses like West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya, Oropouche, and Yellow Fever viruses. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/13894-1 - CryoEM study of the adsorption of a phage to a type IV pilus
• Grantee: Davi Gabriel Salustiano Merighi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/05262-0 - Study of c-di-GMP signaling involving LIC_11920 in Leptospira interrogans
• Grantee: Aline Biazola Visnardi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/10577-0 - Biology of Bacteria and Bacteriophages Research Center
• Grantee: Shaker Chuck Farah
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 23/18211-0 - High-throughput virtual screening in the design of main protease inhibitors of the novel coronavirus
• Grantee: Anacleto Silva de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/08730-7 - Protein structural biology applied in the study of c-di-GMP signaling and bacterial secretion systems
• Grantee: Cristiane Rodrigues Guzzo Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/07366-2 - Heterologous Expression of a PilZ Homolog for Studying c-di-GMP Signaling in Leptospira interrogans
• Grantee: Cauê Augusto Boneto Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation