Recently, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has warned about the increase in dengue cases across several countries in the region and the resurgence of chikungunya transmission in territories where the virus had not circulated for years. In addition, the combination of climatic factors and the approach of peak transmission periods may favour the further spread of these diseases in the coming months.

During 2026, more than 1.6 million suspected dengue cases have been reported in the Region of the Americas. Particular attention is required in countries such as Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, where significant increases in case numbers have been observed.

Regarding chikungunya, an increase in cases and the re-emergence of transmission have been reported in several countries and territories, including Bolivia, Brazil, Suriname, Argentina and Costa Rica, as well as the reappearance of the virus in Cuba, French Guiana and Guyana after several years of little or no viral circulation.

In this context, PAHO highlights the importance of strengthening epidemiological, virological and entomological surveillance, as well as diagnostic capacity, to ensure early case detection and an effective public health response.

In an increasingly interconnected world, surveillance and timely diagnosis remain essential tools for understanding the evolution of arboviral diseases and supporting public health measures.

At Vitassay, we contribute to this effort by providing reliable diagnostic solutions for the early detection of arboviruses through real-time PCR.

Source: Epidemiological Update: Dengue and Chikungunya in the Region of the Americas, 20 October 2026; PAHO.

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