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Dangers of Dengue
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The prevalence of dengue is likely to be under-reported3,6,15
Official passive surveillance systems do not always capture asymptomatic or subclinical infections, so outbreaks can be misattributed to other febrile illnesses including malaria, influenza and COVID-19 3,4,6,15,16
Dengue in your area
Dengue outbreaks can overwhelm healthcare systems and communites19

- One dengue case can represent 24–58% of an entire household’s average monthly income22
- 127,553 reported cases of dengue, 4063 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 87 confirmed deaths reported in 2019 by PAHO/WHO21
- In 2005, inpatient costs of dengue were estimated to be up to 15x the minimum daily wage* 20
- In 2015, dengue outbreaks resulted in missed school and work; absenteeism ranged from 10–15% for both students and teachers19
- 2,226,865 reported cases of dengue, 1,244,082 laboratory-confirmed cases and 789 deaths were reported in 2019 by PAHO/WHO21
* Minimum daily wage I$12.80 vs inpatient cost I$193.70 (costs are in 2005 international dollars).20
- All four serotypes of dengue contributed to dengue outbreaks in 2019 and 201821,23
- 268,458 reported cases of dengue in 2019, 1.25% of which were severe, with a case fatality rate of 0.071%21
- Mexico City may be at risk of vector-borne diseases including dengue: increasing numbers of viable Aedes aegypti eggs have been collected in surveillance ovitraps since 201524
Meet your patients
Dengue can infect people of all nationalities and ages 4,7,11

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4
Dengue can infect people of all nationalities and ages 4,7,11

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Hugo has no history of dengue infection, having never travelled outside of Northern Europe. Now he is taking a month off his studies to explore South East Asia, from the busy cities to the rural countryside.
Impact of dengue
Shortly after arriving in Vietnam, Hugo was bitten by a mosquito while having breakfast and was infected with the dengue virus. A few days later he became unwell. A fever, severe headache and vomiting meaning he was unable to leave his room for a week. Luckily, Hugo made a full recovery and was able to continue with his trip, but was constantly worried he would become sick again.

I thought I was only at risk in the evening?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors at all times during the day, with peak mosquito activity in the morning and afternoon 4,12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Chloé and Louis have no history of dengue infection, however Louis has heart problems and high blood pressure. They want to celebrate their early retirement by taking a river cruise in Northern Africa.
Impact of dengue
Both Chloé and Louis were bitten by mosquitos after sunbathing by the pool in the afternoon. After a few days both became ill with nausea, muscle pain and a fever. While Chloé recovered within a few days, Louis worsened, developing severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing and fatigue. Being too unwell to fly home, Louis was admitted to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
I thought I was safe if I stayed indoors?
Due to the behaviors of the 2 most important mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), travellers are at risk of being bitten both indoors and outdoors 12

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Anil and Lakshmi have family in Mumbai who they visit every year. Lakshmi and Jyoti became ill after returning home from Mumbai last year and both were diagnosed with dengue.
Impact of dengue
While planning their trip this summer, Lakshmi’s GP informs her that, while they will now be immune to one serotype of dengue, she and her daughter are at an increased risk of developing severe dengue if they are infected with one of the other serotypes. The GP also tells her that severe dengue can occasionally be life-threatening.
I have family out there; I’m going to be ok, right?
Dengue can infect people of all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic status. All four dengue serotypes circulate in many endemic countries, 4 and travellers who have had a prior dengue infection are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue than travellers with no previous exposure 4,7,11,13

*This is a fictional patient case
Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4
*This is a fictional patient case

Dengue history
Sonya’s job requires that she travels on a regular basis. She contracted dengue a few years ago in Malaysia, and is now attending an IT conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Impact of dengue
During some evening drinks with her conference colleagues, Sonya is bitten by a mosquito. After returning home to Sweden, she begins to feel ill with nausea, vomiting and swollen glands. After a few days her symptoms worsen, leading to restlessness, persistent vomiting with blood and bleeding gums. After going to the emergency clinic she is diagnosed with severe dengue and hospitalised.
I’m only travelling for a few days, so I’m not at risk.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. This can happen anywhere the mosquito vectors are present, even if only visiting the at-risk area for a short time 4
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- Zeng, Z. et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2021;32:100712.
- Lorenz, C. et al. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2020;35:101659.
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- Ten Bosch QA, et al. PLoS Pathog. 2018;14(5):e1006965.
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- Suaya, JA. et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009;80(5):846-855.
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization. Epidemiological update: Dengue - 7 February 2020. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-update-dengue-7-february-2020. Last accessed: October 2023.
- Lee J-S, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2017;11(10):e0006037.
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization. Epidemiological update dengue. 22 February 2019. Available at: https://www.paho.org/en/documents/22-february-2019-dengue-epidemiological-update. Last accessed: October 2023.
- Mejía-Guevera MD, et al. Gac Med Mex. 2020;156:382-389.
- Mulligan, K. et al. Pathog Glob Health. 2015;109(1):10-18.