Description: Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily by Aedes aegypti, causing a severe flu-like illness. This disease is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, affecting millions of people each year. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rashes, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal. Transmission occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person, introducing the virus into their bloodstream. Prevention focuses on controlling mosquito populations and personal protection, such as using repellents and mosquito nets. The disease has no specific antiviral treatment, and management is based on symptom relief and adequate hydration. Increasing urbanization and climate change have contributed to the geographical expansion of dengue, making it a significant public health issue in many areas of the world.
History: Dengue has been known for centuries, with records dating back to the 18th century. However, it was in 1906 that the dengue virus was first identified. Throughout the 20th century, significant research was conducted that led to the understanding of its transmission and pathology. In the 1950s, significant outbreaks occurred in Asia and Latin America, leading to increased public attention and research on the disease. In 1970, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared dengue a global public health problem, and since then, various control and prevention strategies have been implemented.
Examples: An example of a dengue outbreak occurred in Brazil in 2019, where over 1 million cases were reported, leading to intensive mosquito control efforts and public awareness campaigns. Another notable case was the outbreak in Singapore in 2014, which resulted in over 22,000 cases, prompting the implementation of stricter control measures and the promotion of repellent use.
