Health experts advise precautions like wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing to minimize exposure to the Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue|Oregon State University|CC BY-SA 2.0
With over 233,000 cases this season, Argentina faces a dire shortage of bug spray as Latin America faces what experts describe as the worst dengue epidemic the world has ever seen. High temperatures and heavy rains have caused 161 deaths this summer—eight times more than last year.
Infection rates are up roughly 800% compared to last year.
Bug spray disappearing from shelves has led to a 500% price surge online—a can of bug spray is reselling for $20 online—forcing citizens to resort to homemade remedies.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warns that cases have tripled compared to 2023, setting off alarms across the region. The outbreak spans Latin America, Brazil and Paraguay, contributing to more than 3.5 million cases, with 83% reported in Brazil.
In the meantime, health experts advise precautions, like wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing, to minimize exposure to the Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue.
What is dengue?
The viral illness causes symptoms including high fever, headache, vomiting, rash and severe joint and muscle pain, earning it the nickname "break-bone" fever.
In severe cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic fever and death.