Dengue Epidemic
A dengue epidemic occurs when a large outbreak of dengue fever infects thousands of people, causing a public health concern.
In 1779-1780, descriptions of dengue fever began to emerge out of Asia, Africa and North America, and the first reports of dengue epidemics emerged. Following World War II, a pandemic of dengue fever began in southeast Asia, and has spread around the world since.1
In the 19th century, outbreaks of dengue fever occurred sporadically, stemming from transportation limitations and travel restrictions. Over the past 50 years, dengue fever outbreaks have increased thirtyfold.2
Fast Facts
- Types: Dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever
- Most important mosquito-borne viral disease2
- Intervals between major epidemics: 10-40 years3
- Case-fatality rate: About 5% (mostly children).3
- 50 million cases annually2
- Cause 22,000 deaths per year2
- 2.5 billion live in high-risk locations2
- Over 100 endemic countries2
Notable Dengue Epidemics in History
About Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is an infectious disease that can be caused by four serotypes of Flavivirus, a genus of virus transmitted via mosquito bites.1 Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person with the virus, then spread the disease when they bite a new victim. Because the illness can be caused by any of the four serotypes of the virus, it is possible to fall ill with dengue fever multiple times.
Areas of Concern
Dengue fever is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Outbreaks of dengue fever usually occur in the rainy season.1
Risk in the United States
It is rare for someone to get dengue fever in the United States, but the risk is increasing for persons living in the south states, especially along the Texas-Mexico border. Over the course of 17 years (1977-1994), there were 2,248 cases of dengue fever reported in the United States that were suspected to have been imported.3
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician for information on the dengue epidemic.
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