Authors: Jana S. Röder, Henning Boekhoff
Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted by multiple Aedes mosquito species. The disease has spread globally due to globalization, but infections are currently most common in tropical and subtropical regions. Endemic transmission of the dengue virus is mainly reported in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and Africa. However, transmissions have also been reported in Europe and the United States. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a near historic peak of dengue cases: there were over five million cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths. Close to 80 % of these cases, or 4.1 million, have been reported in the region of the Americas. The WHO states that the actual disease burden is likely higher, due to under-reporting of infections. It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population lives in areas affected by dengue virus. Dengue is a global threat.

Dengue is a disease caused by dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted by Aedes species. Dengue is a global threat. Simple and inexpensive strategies for the identification of patients with severe or life-threatening illness are urgently needed.