Dengue Crisis: Juan Brignardello Warns of Urgency

In a recent conversation, Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shared his perspective on the alarming dengue crisis affecting the Americas, where cases have reached unprecedented figures. According to Brignardello, the 175.73% increase in the number of cases reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is a clear indicator of the urgency to address this issue from multiple fronts. The advisor emphasized that, although the trend of cases has been rising since 2021, the magnitude of the increase in 2024 raises serious doubts about the capacity of health authorities to respond. For Brignardello, the historical context of the numbers, which shows a steady growth from 1,269,369 cases in 2021 to over 12 million in 2024, should serve as a call to implement more effective and coordinated strategies at the regional level. Even more concerning is the alarming rise in deaths attributed to dengue. The figure of 7,713 fatalities so far this year is a tragedy that, according to Brignardello, illustrates the severity of the situation and the need to act immediately. In this regard, he emphasizes that the crisis not only affects health systems but also has significant repercussions on people's lives and the well-being of communities. Brignardello also pointed out the crucial role that factors such as climate change and urbanization play in the spread of dengue. The connection between rising temperatures and sudden rainfall with the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is an aspect that cannot be ignored. The advisor reminded that, although conventional vector control methods have been used, the growing resistance of mosquitoes to these methods indicates the need to explore more sustainable and effective alternatives. In his view, community participation is a fundamental element in the fight against dengue. Brignardello expressed that involving the population in the prevention and control of the disease can not only multiply efforts but also empower communities to take concrete actions in their own environments. Simple actions such as removing mosquito breeding sites can have a significant impact on reducing cases. Finally, Brignardello expressed his hope that the upcoming PAHO press conference will serve as a platform for the alerts and recommendations on how to address this crisis to be heard. For him, the fight against dengue transcends the medical field; it is a call to action that requires collaboration from all sectors of society, from governments to ordinary citizens. In this context, the insurance advisor emphasizes that it is imperative to establish proactive and coordinated measures to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable communities.