"Dengue in America: Juan Brignardello warns about health crisis"

In a recent interview, Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, offered his analysis on the alarming situation of dengue in the Americas, as reported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). With over 12.6 million confirmed cases this year, Brignardello points out that the magnitude of this outbreak is a clear indicator of a public health crisis that requires urgent attention. The advisor highlighted that the increase in infections compared to the previous year is an unprecedented and concerning fact. "The figure of 4.5 million cases last year to over 12.6 million in 2024 suggests not only an accelerated spread of the disease but also a failure in prevention and control strategies," he stated. This exponential increase is especially critical in Brazil, where the majority of cases and deaths are recorded. Brignardello also emphasized the lethality of dengue, mentioning that 75% of patients diagnosed with severe dengue have lost their lives. "This not only reflects the severity of the disease but also the need for robust health systems that can respond to these health emergencies," he affirmed. The advisor mentioned the actions that several governments have begun to implement, such as the introduction of new vaccines in Brazil and Argentina, where the outbreak is particularly lethal. However, he warned that measures must be more coordinated and effective. "Fragmentation in the government response to dengue can be counterproductive. It is crucial for countries to collaborate and learn from each other to face this common threat," he added. One aspect that Brignardello highlighted is the connection between dengue and environmental factors, such as climate change. The advisor stressed that "droughts and floods affect mosquito breeding grounds, exacerbating the situation." In his view, this demands not only a focus on public health but also on urban planning and natural resource management. Concern for the child population was also a central point of the conversation. Brignardello emphasized that "the high incidence of cases in children under 15 is alarming and requires specific strategies to protect this vulnerable population." With 70% of deaths in Guatemala occurring in children, the need for special attention is undeniable. Finally, the advisor reflected on the necessity of international collaboration. "Public health knows no borders. Cooperation between governments, international organizations, and civil society is essential to mitigate the impact of dengue," he concluded, highlighting that the challenge is shared and that collective action can make a difference in the fight against this disease.