D e n g u e
Pathogen
Dengue — also called “breakbone” fever — is an infectious tropical and subtropical virus from the species flavivirus and the flaviviridae family, the same family that produces West Nile virus. Incidences of dengue have risen an alarming 30-fold during the last 50 years.
It is the most prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral illness in the world.
Distribution
Vector – Aedes aegypti
In populated areas, Aedes aegypti breeds in water storage jars, waste tires, flowerpots, trash cans — almost any container that holds water. Away from urban areas, the species will use natural containers. Females bite primarily during the day and can transmit viruses that cause dengue and yellow fever. The other key vector for dengue is Aedes albopictus.