A New Look at an Old Disease: Recent Insights into the Global Epidemiology of Dengue

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewBy all measures, the morbidity and mortality due to dengue are continuing to worsen worldwide. Although both early and recent studies have demonstrated regional differences in how dengue affects local populations, these findings were to varying extents related to disparate surveillance approaches.Recent FindingsRecent studies have broadened the recognized spectrum of disease resulting from DENV infection, particularly in adults, and have also demonstrated new mechanisms of DENV spread both within and between populations. New results regarding the frequency and duration of homo- and heterotypic anti-DENV antibodies have provided important insights relevant to vaccine design and implementation.SummaryThese observations and findings as well as difficulties in comparing the epidemiology of dengue within and between regions of the world underscore the need for population-based dengue surveillance worldwide. Enhanced surveillance should be implemented to complement passive surveillance in countries in the tropics to establish baseline data in order to define affected populations and evaluate the impact of dengue vaccines and novel vector control interventions.

Prevalence and burden of dengue infection in Europe: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the epidemiological triangle gives us solutions to mitigate the current burden and control the future expansion. Being an important driver of dengue transmission in Europe, control of travel‐associated dengue is a must …”

“…Being an important driver of dengue transmission in Europe, control of travel-associated dengue is a must. 43 Dengue commonly shares symptoms with other febrile illnesses, especially during first stages of the disease, making the early detection difficult. 43 The underrecognition of dengue contributes to the state of underestimation worldwide specially in nonendemic areas like Europe.…”

“…43 Dengue commonly shares symptoms with other febrile illnesses, especially during first stages of the disease, making the early detection difficult. 43 The underrecognition of dengue contributes to the state of underestimation worldwide specially in nonendemic areas like Europe. 43,44 This raises the importance of increasing clinical awareness among communities and health care providers about the risk of travel and other risk factors associated with dengue expansion.…”

“…43 The underrecognition of dengue contributes to the state of underestimation worldwide specially in nonendemic areas like Europe. 43,44 This raises the importance of increasing clinical awareness among communities and health care providers about the risk of travel and other risk factors associated with dengue expansion. 43 This is a simple and effective way to reduce the state of underestimation in Europe, as early detection of cases and, subsequently, reduction in rates of severe dengue and mortalities associated, particularly in the light of the evolution in dengue diagnostic tools.…”

“…43,44 This raises the importance of increasing clinical awareness among communities and health care providers about the risk of travel and other risk factors associated with dengue expansion. 43 This is a simple and effective way to reduce the state of underestimation in Europe, as early detection of cases and, subsequently, reduction in rates of severe dengue and mortalities associated, particularly in the light of the evolution in dengue diagnostic tools. 45 Serological tests are the most suitable screening tests for travelers being rapid, feasible, less expensive, dengue confirmatory, and able to differentiate between primary and secondary infection.…”