Dengue fever is currently endemic to tropical parts of the world. However, its reach may spread further because of climate change and urbanization, according to a report by the United Nations University.
As the planet warms, large parts of Europe and South America face the threats of dengue outbreaks. These areas are currently too cool to sustain populations of the mosquito that carries the dengue virus. Dengue is already found in parts of South America, but its spread could become wider
The disease may also spread within Central and West Africa, which do not have safe water supplies and also have poor sanitation and public health facilities.
United Nations University has created maps of areas of the world that are vulnerable to dengue. These maps may serves as a tool that countries can use to set up surveillance systems.
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of several species of mosquito, mainly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Most people who become infected with dengue virus are either asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms. About 5% of cases involve more serious illness.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, severe muscle and joint pain, and a skin rash that is similar to measles. Dengue is also called breakbone fever because of the muscle and joint pain that can occur. In a small proportion of dengue cases the disease develops into dengue hemorrhagic fever or into dengue shock syndrome, both of which are life-threatening.
There is no vaccine for dengue. Treatment consists of supportive care, with oral of intravenous fluids for milder cases and transfusions for more severe cases. Dengue infects up to 10 million people and kills about 20,000 people each year, according to the World Health Organization.
United Nations University is a global think tank and postgraduate educational organization that is headquartered in Japan.
