Panamanian health authorities have announced alarming figures regarding the dengue fever outbreak in the country, with 25 confirmed deaths linked to the disease recorded from the beginning of 2025 until the end of November. These statistics highlight the growing health challenges facing Latin American countries in combating mosquito-borne diseases.
The Panamanian Ministry of Health confirmed in its official statement that a total of 15,098 cases of dengue fever were recorded during the specified period. The data indicated that the situation necessitated urgent medical intervention, with 1,474 patients requiring intensive care in hospitals due to severe symptoms and health complications requiring immediate medical attention.
The most affected areas and target groups
According to the epidemiological map published by the Ministry, Panama City and the San Miguelto region are the hotspots for the spread of the virus, with these two cities alone accounting for 7,242 cases, a significant proportion of the total. The overall infection rate, according to official data, is approximately 330 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Worryingly, the most active and productive age group, those aged 10 to 49, is the most affected by the disease, which could have economic and social repercussions due to employee and student absenteeism from work and school.
Disease context and regional challenges
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This infection is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, where high humidity and stagnant water contribute to the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Panama, due to its geographical location and climate, faces ongoing challenges with this type of epidemic, particularly during the rainy season, which provides an ideal environment for insect reproduction.
Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) consistently warns of the increasing spread of dengue fever worldwide, noting that climate change and rising global temperatures are contributing to the expansion of the geographic range of the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. Preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds (like old tires and uncovered containers where water collects) and using insecticides and mosquito nets, are the first line of defense in reducing the spread of infection.
Panamanian health authorities are urging citizens and residents to immediately go to health centers if they experience symptoms of the disease, which include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain, in order to avoid the condition developing into "severe dengue fever" which could lead to serious, life-threatening complications.
