A global information service launched last week gives a real time snapshot of global dengue outbreaks across 88 countries.
The Global Dengue Observatory, developed by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, provides an estimate of the current global dengue situation that can be compared to estimated cases in neighbouring countries.
Over half of the world’s population is now at risk of the mosquito-borne disease, with over 14 million cases recorded in 2024, according to the WHO. While dengue can be without symptoms, severe cases of the disease can lead to hospitalisation or death and regular outbreaks can overwhelm national healthcare system.
““For the first time, governments and the public can see how serious dengue is in different parts of the world, allowing them to be better prepared and act faster to prevent outbreaks,” says Observatory director Oliver Brady from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
“From policy-makers to travellers and all those living with the risk of dengue, we hope this new online dashboard will give them accessible, timely information on how to reduce the risk of this debilitating and potentially deadly disease.”
So far in this year, the service estimates that 253,173 cases have been reported globally, below the five-year average for this time of year.
However, in March, the dengue season is expected to begin to peak in several countries worldwide, notably Brazil and Argentina.
The Global Dengue Observatory is available here.
