PAHO urges Caribbean to prepare for dengue and chikungunya surge

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called on Caribbean nations to strengthen disease surveillance and health services in anticipation of rising dengue and chikungunya transmission. The warning comes amid renewed virus circulation in parts of the Americas and the expected intensification of the El Niño phenomenon.

As of mid-September, the Americas recorded approximately 1.69 million suspected dengue cases, resulting in 3,413 severe cases and 571 deaths. Although cumulative cases were 58 per cent lower than the same period in 2025, recent increases have been noted in the Andean, Central American, and Caribbean subregions. All four dengue virus serotypes are currently circulating in the region.

PAHO also reported concerns regarding chikungunya, noting 213,919 suspected cases across 20 countries, with 78,481 confirmed infections and 88 deaths. The agency highlighted that transmission is occurring in new areas and outside of historical seasons. To combat these threats, PAHO recommends expanding diagnostic capacity, strengthening mosquito control measures, and ensuring healthcare workers can recognize early warning signs of severe illness.