PAHO reports dengue surge in the Americas

Pan American Health Organization health officials have revealed that Dengue is surging across the Americas early this year from Puerto Rico to Brazil, with 3.5 million cases of the tropical disease reported so far.

Director of PAHO Dr. Jarbas Barbosa says that tally is three times the number of cases reported at this point last year.

Last year, there were a record 4.5 million cases in the region, and PAHO officials say they expect this year will set a new record.

Usually dengue cases spike during the wet season, which is still months away.

Most of the current cases are in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 80% in Brazil, followed by Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Colombia.

Some 1,000 deaths have been reported in the Americas so far this year.

In the Caribbean alone, more than 25,000 cases have been reported, with French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic most affected.

On Monday, Puerto Rico's health secretary declared an epidemic, with more than 540 cases, of which at least 341 people have been hospitalized.

The numbers are of concern to officials, because parts of the island are currently under a moderate drought, and the rainiest month isn't until August.

The surge in cases forced Rio de Janeiro to declare a public health emergency last month ahead of Brazil's Carnival.

Peru did the same for most of its provinces, and others have followed suit.