The spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, has reached unprecedented levels, raising concerns about its global impact. Once considered a limited public health issue, dengue has rapidly evolved into a daunting global health crisis, fueled by climate change and demographic shifts.
From 2000 to 2019, reported dengue cases surged from 500,000 to 5.2 million, with deaths reaching 30,000, marking the highest toll ever recorded. The actual prevalence of the disease is likely underestimated due to asymptomatic cases and symptom overlap with other infections like yellow fever and chikungunya virus.
Regions such as South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South America have witnessed chronic dengue outbreaks. Brazil, for instance, reported over 1 million cases and 300 deaths in just two months, prompting a nationwide vaccination campaign and emergency declarations in seven states. Argentina and Peru also experienced alarming spikes in dengue cases, with unprecedented infection rates and overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh recorded a record high of 300,000 dengue infections in 2022, marking a threefold increase from previous years, and a significant rise in dengue-related fatalities. The disease’s expansion into new territories has raised concerns about its sudden emergence in various parts of the world.
