Dengue has been called the most important mosquito-transmitted viral disease in terms of morbidity and mortality.
Dengue fever is a benign acute febrile syndrome occurring in tropical regions.
Dengue is a homonym for the African ki denga pepo, which appeared in English literature during an 1827-28 Caribbean outbreak. The first definite clinical report of dengue is attributed to Benjamin Rush in 1789, but the viral etiology and its mode of transmission via mosquitos were not established until the early 20th century. Dengue viral infections frequently are not apparent. Classic dengue primarily occurs in nonimmune, nonindigenous adults and children. Illness begins abruptly with a minor stage of 2-4 days duration followed by rapid deterioration.