Dengue fever has become the most important illness on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of the 17 neglected tropical diseases. However, dengue may no longer be truly “neglected.” First described in the 1950s in Southeast Asia, the disease has become a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality there. The severe manifestation of this viral infection, dengue hemorrhagic fever, now also occurs in Central and South America and the Caribbean and Pacific islands, where it has caused epidemics. Outbreaks are affecting tourism and raising public health alarms around the world. WHO is now reporting that dengue fever is being detected for the first time in more countries across the Asia Pacific region, such as Fiji and Vanuatu. Outbreaks in Southeast Asia in February 2014 were worse than the previous year, especially in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Once eradicated in the United States, dengue is now emerging in Texas and Florida. See also: Animal virus; Dengue fever; Disease ecology; Epidemic; Virus

Control of dengue fever depends primarily on controlling the vector. Dengue is normally transmitted through the bite of infected female Aedes spp. mosquitoes. As with many mosquitoes, Aedes spp. will often breed in human-made containers that trap rainwater, such as discarded tires. Elimination of these breeding sites is the most effective control method, but it requires considerable effort that must involve the affected community. During the 2014 World Cup, health officials in Brazil launched an extensive public campaign with the slogan "Dengue Mata" or "Dengue Kills." The campaign encouraged local citizens to clean up areas around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. See also: Diptera; Public health

During outbreaks, the use of larvicides—pesticides that kills mosquito larva—can reduce transmission. WHO recommends that, except in emergencies, larvicides be restricted to containers that cannot otherwise be eliminated or managed. See also: Pesticide

Currently, no vaccine exists to protect against dengue. However, as of January 2014, six dengue vaccine candidates were in various stages of clinical development. One obstacle is the need to immunize effectively against all four subtypes; otherwise, vaccination might increase the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever. This is because antibodies raised by infection with one dengue subtype may enhance infection with a different subtype by a process termed intrinsic antibody-dependent enhancement. WHO provides technical advice and guidance to countries and private partners to support vaccine research and evaluation. See also: Antibody; Immunity; Vaccination