Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 23 May 2025

KEY FIGURES

• 2.6M suspected dengue cases in the Americas as of EW 18 - 71% fewer than EW 18 2024
• 196K people affected by heavy rains across Ecuador, including 49K people displaced
• 115 response activities carried out across Bolivia after recent floods

REGIONAL: DENGUE

As of epidemiological week 18 (EW18) of 2025, countries in the Americas reported 2,595,424 suspected dengue cases (255 per 100,000 people), marking a 71 per cent decrease from the same period in 2024 and 13 per cent below the five-year average. Of these, 40 per cent were laboratory-confirmed and 0.1 per cent classified as severe. Authorities recorded 1,083 deaths, for a 0.042 per cent fatality rate. In week 18 alone, 14 countries and territories reported 119,867 suspected cases, including 102 severe and 16 fatal cases. Brazil reported the vast majority (2.3 million), followed by Colombia (64,784) and Costa Rica (2,326). Cases fell across all subregions, with declines ranging from 50 per cent in Central America and Mexico to 72 per cent in the Southern Cone compared to the same period last year.

ECUADOR: HEAVY RAINS

As of 21 May, heavy rains have affected over 196,000 people across 212 cantons in 24 Ecuadorian provinces, displacing more than 49,000. Manabí, Los Ríos and Guayas are the hardest hit areas, with a combined 193,000 people affected. Authorities report 49 deaths and 138 injuries. The rains have also damaged livelihoods, with over 52,000 animals affected and nearly 25,000 hectares of crops lost. The government activated 170 emergency committees at provincial, cantonal and parish levels and distributed more than 279,000 relief items, including food, hygiene kits, mattresses and cash transfers. Twenty-four temporary shelters are housing displaced families. At least seven organisations have launched responses in eight provinces, addressing needs in food security, WASH, shelter, health and early recovery.

BOLIVIA: FLOODS

As the dry season begins, the national weather office forecasts sharp declines in rain and river levels through early June. Parts of Beni, where CERF-funded responses are ongoing, remain under orange alert. Water levels may improve slightly from snowfall and frost in coming weeks. Rural and indigenous communities face challenges including lost livelihoods, unsafe drinking water, and blocked roads. The military deployed 4,400 personnel to handle 83 emergencies. Humanitarian partners carried out 115 activities across 50 municipalities, focusing on WASH and food security. Despite drier conditions, urgent needs remain, especially in Beni. Immediate priorities include restoring clean water and health services, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining river-based logistics.

COLOMBIA: CONFINEMENT

New forced displacement and confinement have affected at least 1,452 indigenous and Afro-descendant people in four Chocó municipalities. In Acandí, clashes between public forces and a non-state armed group (NSAG) displaced two Afro-descendant communities, creating urgent needs in health, education, shelter, WASH, and psychosocial support. This marks the first emergency in Acandí since 2022, showing the conflict’s spread. In Alto Baudó and Río Quito, five Emberá Dóbida indigenous communities remain confined due to two armed groups, facing threats, violence risks, and stigmatization. In Nuevo Belén de Bajirá, three Emberá communities also face confinement from ongoing NSAG presence, leading to threats against social leaders, restricted movement, and limited education access. The total number of people affected in this area is currently unknown.