International
Brazil beats its historical record of dengue cases with more than 1.88 million infections
Brazil broke the historical record of dengue cases on Monday, with more than 1.88 million infections in just over two and a half months compared to 1.68 in all of 2015, the year that held the maximum number of records to date.
The country already exceeds the total reported in the previous record year by 200,000 cases, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, which is a new milestone for a rising disease due to climate change.
In the first decade of 2000, Brazil recorded an average of just over 400,000 cases per year, but in the period from 2011 to 2023 this figure rose above one million.
Brazil had already surpassed the total number of cases in 2023 last week, when the effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon and high temperatures began to be felt more, factors to which specialists attribute the increase in infections.
The disease, which is transmitted by a mosquito and causes a high fever, has caused 561 deaths, with another 1,020 under investigation.
In this context of alert, the city of São Paulo, the largest in South America, decreed a state of emergency on Monday after having reached an incidence of 414 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The City Council announced last week that it was going to reinforce the teams in charge of making home visits, as well as extend health care hours.
Meanwhile, the federal government estimates that 4.2 million cases can be reached at the end of 2024, and has asked the population to take the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease, such as avoiding the accumulation of stagnant water in houses and gardens.
In February, Brazil became the first country in the world to offer the dengue vaccine through the public health system, although the low number of doses available has limited its application to children and adolescents only.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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