The facts about dengue

Dengue viruses threaten over one third of the world's population and cause an estimated 100 million cases of dengue fever and 500,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever each year. The viruses are transmitted from person to person only through infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Dengue fever occurs in almost all areas where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live - tropical urban areas of the world including Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands (including Hawaii), Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa (see map).

Both the number of countries reporting dengue outbreaks and the number of cases are increasing year over year.

In addition, dengue fever is a significant traveler's disease: dengue is contracted by visitors to these regions which are growing tourist or business destinations.

Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headaches, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and rash. In its more severe form, dengue hemorrhagic fever may cause internal bleeding or shock-like symptoms that can be fatal. There is no existing treatment for dengue fever. A vaccine to prevent dengue fever is sorely needed.

More Dengue Facts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/dengue

Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative:
http://www.pdvi.org

Pan American Health Organization:
http://www.paho.org/english/ad/dpc/cd/Dengue.htm

World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/dengue/en

Singapore Ministry of Health:
http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/diseases.aspx?id=416