Everyone is susceptible to the disease if exposed to infected mosquitoes. Dengue fever is a current epidemic in more than 100 subtropical countries where the mosquito population is high. These tropical regions include the Caribbean, Central America, Puerto Rico and tropical Asia. Travelers are often infected by the disease when visiting tropical areas where dengue commonly exists. Unfortunately, infected travelers may return home spreading the virus to mosquitoes of other locations, who subsequently pass it to other individuals.
Symptoms usually occur from three to fifteen days after exposure to an infected exposure.
The symptoms of Dengue Fever are characterized by an abrupt fever lasting for 5-7 days, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The clinical features may vary according to the age of the patient. The hemorrhagic form of dengue fever induce more severe symptoms. Circulatory failure and shock may occur in severe cases. If the disease is left untreated, the disease results in death of over half of individuals who are infected.