Global Epidemiology of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: An Update

Abstract

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a severe form of dengue fever (DF), which can be life threatening. The first recorded epidemic of dengue was reported in the late 18th century and affected Asia, Africa, and North America. Female mosquitoes, predominantly of the species Aedes aegypti and less commonly, Aedes albopictus, are responsible for the transmission of the dengue virus. As the most dangerous and widespread mosquito-borne viral infection, the dengue virus affects more than 100 countries worldwide. Increasing 30-fold in the last 50 years, the social and economic effects of dengue are far reaching and of worldwide concern. The disease is widespread throughout the tropics with local variations in risk influenced by rainfall, temperature, and unplanned rapid urbanization. Upto 400 million people are infected each year. Currently, vaccines are still under development for DHF; therefore, prevention is of utmost importance in lessening the impact of dengue on a global scale. This review article summarizes the global epidemiology of Dengue Hemorrhagic fever by utilizing the most recent and available information on the topic.