Dengue: A Brief Insight

Abstract

Dengue is the second most dangerous vector-borne disease worldwide in terms of incidence and mortality rate [1]. Many nations are experiencing dengue outbreaks, including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands [2]. Dengue, also known as dengue fever (DF), is a viral disease that is carried and spread by female mosquitos, mostly Aedes aegypti and to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. The virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and has four separate but closely related serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) [3]. Whilst there are four types of the dengue virus, it is still possible to be re-infected as the immune system only becomes immune to one serotype at a time.

Dengue is widespread and particularly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Urban and semi-urban regions present increased case numbers. Mosquito bites are more prevalent in early mornings and early evenings, particularly near still water in built-up areas [3]. Around 100 to 400 million infections are thought to occur annually, with more than 80% being minor and asymptomatic [3].

Approximately 380, 171 dengue virus cases and 113 deaths were reported worldwide between January 1st to 9th March, 2023. Most cases were reported from Brazil (240, 482), Bolivia (31, 283), Peru (20, 022), Colombia (15, 972), and Nicaragua (13, 187). Most deaths were reported in Bolivia (26), Peru (26), Brazil (24), Sudan (14), and Bangladesh (9) [4].