It is caused by one of the four strains, or serotypes, of dengue flaviviruses.
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Aedes aegpyti , the most common mosquito species that transmits the dengue virus, is a day-time biter and lives in close proximity to humans in urban areas. At this time, several countries in the Americas are experiencing increased numbers of DF cases. In response, several countries have implemented measures to eliminate mosquito-breeding places in populated areas.