Dengue hemorrhagic fever: a growing global menace

Abstract

Dengue virus is an arthropod-borne virus, transmitted by Aedes aegypti among humans. In this review, we discussed the epidemiology of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) as well as the disease's natural history, cycles of transmission, clinical diagnosis, aetiology, prevention, therapy, and management. A systematic literature search was done by databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms, ‘dengue fever’, ‘symptoms and causes of dengue fever’, ‘dengue virus transmission’, and ‘strategies to control dengue’. We reviewed relevant literature to identify hazards related to DHF and the most recent recommendations for its management and prevention. Clinical signs and symptoms of dengue infection range from mild dengue fever (DF) to potentially lethal conditions like DHF or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Acute-onset high fever, muscle and joint pain, myalgia, a rash on the skin, hemorrhagic episodes, and circulatory shock are among the most common symptoms. An early diagnosis is vital to lower mortality. As dengue virus infections are self-limiting, but in tropical and subtropical areas, dengue infection has become a public health concern. Hence, developing and executing long-term control policies that can reduce the global burden of DHF is a major issue for public health specialists everywhere (Figure 1).

Dengue induced acute liver failure: A meta summary of case reports

“…Dengue is the most common cause of viral hemorrhagic fever, globally. It is endemic in many tropical countries, but in the last few years, cases have also been frequently reported from non-endemic regions[ 1 , 2 ]. As per the current estimates, worldwide, more than 5 billion people are at risk of getting affected with dengue, and more than 400 million cases are being reported annually[ 2 ].…”

Serotype and genomic diversity of dengue virus during the 2023 outbreak in Pakistan reveals the circulation of genotype III of DENV‐1 and cosmopolitan genotype of DENV‐2

“…Infection with one serotype provides sero‐specific immunity, while subsequent infections with different serotypes can heighten the risk of severe outcomes like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome 5 . Each serotype consists of multiple genotypes, phylogenetically defined by variations in the envelope (E) gene; for example, DENV‐1 (I‐VI), DENV‐2 (Asian I/II, Asian/American, American, Cosmopolitan, and Sylvatic), DENV‐3 (I‐V), and DENV‐4 (Asian I/II, Asian/American, American, Cosmopolitan, and Sylvatic) 6 …”

“…5 Each serotype consists of multiple genotypes, phylogenetically defined by variations in the envelope (E) gene; for example, DENV-1 (I-VI), DENV-2 (Asian I/II, Asian/ American, American, Cosmopolitan, and Sylvatic), DENV-3 (I-V), and DENV-4 (Asian I/II, Asian/American, American, Cosmopolitan, and Sylvatic). 6 As of Dec 21, 2023, according to World Health Organization (WHO) report, global dengue cases surged tenfold (from 500 000 to 5.2 million) between 2000 and 2019, peaking in 2019 across 129 countries. Despite a decline during 2020−2022 due to COVID-19, 2023 witnessed a resurgence, with over five million cases and 5000 deaths reported across 80 countries/territories and five WHO regions.…”