Dengue and severe dengue

Key facts

·         Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection.

·         The infection causes flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.

·         The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades.

·         About half of the world's population is now at risk.

·         Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

·         Severe dengue is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children in some Asian and Latin American countries.

·         There is no specific treatment for dengue/ severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%.

·         Dengue prevention and control solely depends on effective vector control measures.

SOURCE: WHO