DENGUE AND DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC-FEVER

The incidence and geographical distribution of dengue have greatly inc reased in recent years. Dengue is an acute mosquito-transmitted viral disease characterised ny fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash , nausea, and vomiting. Some infections result in dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), a syndrome that in its most severe form can threaten the patient's life, primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The case fatality rate in patients with dengue shock syndrome c an be as high as 44%. For decades, two distinct hypotheses to explain the mechanism of DHF have been debated-secondary infection or viral vi rulence. However, a combination of both now seems to be the plausible explanation. The geographical expansion of DHF presents the need for w ell-documented clinical, epidemiological, and virological descriptions of the syndrome; in the Americas. Biological and social research are essential to develop effective mosquito control, medications to reduce capillary leakage, and a safe tetravalent vaccine.