About half of the world’s population is now at risk because they live in dengue endemic regions
More than 100 countries are endemic but dengue cases are reported in several non endemic countries
The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades
The actual numbers of dengue cases remains underreported and many cases are misclassified
One recent estimate indicates 390 million dengue infections per year
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection
Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas
The infection causes flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication
There is no specific treatment for dengue / severe dengue
But early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%
Dengue prevention and control depends on effective vector control measures
A vaccine is available in some countries for those who are 9-45 years old living in endemic areas
Dengue is difficult to recognize
Dengue is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms of fever, headache, body aches are not specific.
Dengue may be misdiagnosed as other illnesses : influenza, typhoid, zika, malaria …
75% of dengue infections
are asymptomatic
20% are mild – moderate
dengue fever
5% are severe dengue : 500.000 people with severe dengue require hospitalization each year and 2.5% of people will die
Symptoms
High fever
Severe headache
Pain behind eyes
Skin rashes
Muscle and joint pains
Vomiting
Warning signs of progression to severe dengue
(between 3 and 7 days after first symptoms)
Difficult breathing, mucosal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting…
There is no specific treatment for dengue / severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%.
