Latin American health authorities intensify dengue prevention efforts

Health authorities across several Latin American countries are intensifying measures to combat the spread of dengue, driven by seasonal changes and the El Niño phenomenon.

In Paraguay, the General Directorate of Health Surveillance reported a rise in suspected cases across multiple departments, with 293 confirmed cases in 2026. Meanwhile, in Argentina, officials in Salta warned that the ‘Super Niño’ phenomenon could increase rainfall and mosquito breeding sites, while Jujuy continues weekly ‘descacharrado’ operations to remove water-collecting objects.

In Peru, the regional government of La Libertad has activated three fever units in the Ascope province to provide rapid care for suspected cases. In Colombia, the city of Barranquilla has conducted inspections in over 15,230 homes to educate residents and prevent outbreaks.

In Ecuador, the Municipality of Guayaquil has fumigated more than 307,000 homes and conducted hundreds of brigades in schools, markets, and parks to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These efforts follow the registration of 508 dengue cases in the city between January and October 2026.