Global Dengue Cases Reach Record High in 2024 Amid Expanding Risk Areas
Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has seen a dramatic rise in global cases, with over 14.6 million infections reported in 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, is now endemic in more than 100 countries. Symptoms of dengue range from mild fever and rash to severe complications, including internal bleeding and organ failure. The Americas accounted for a significant portion of the global burden, with over 13 million cases reported. Factors contributing to the surge include climate change, urbanization, and the spread of mosquito vectors to previously unaffected regions. Notably, dengue cases have been reported in European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, as well as in French overseas territories. WHO emphasizes the importance of vector control and early detection to mitigate the impact of the disease. 
