Dengue, a viral infection, is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. These vectors carry the virus responsible for causing dengue, called dengue virus (DENV). There exist four DENV serotypes, and it is possible to be infected four times.

Although many DENV infections produce only mild illness, DENV can cause an acute flu-like illness. Sometimes this evolves into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.

Dengue occurs in tropical and sub-tropical climates globally, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically globally, with about 50% of the world′s population now at risk. Although dengue causes nearly 100-400 million infections yearly, over 80% are generally mild and asymptomatic.

Severe dengue causes a substantial burden of serious illness and death in some Asian and Latin American countries. It demands management by medical specialists. Although there is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, early detection of disease progression and access to proper medical care declines fatality rates of severe dengue to <1%.

Effective vector control measures are essential to preventing and controlling dengue. Community involvement will help to improve vector control efforts significantly.

World Health Organization[Internet]. Dengue and severe dengue. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue