History of Dengue fever in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 24, 2025

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease common in tropical and subtropical regions, presents with varying severity. Many infections are asymptomatic or mild. Symptomatic cases, appearing 3-14 days post-infection, involve high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle/joint pain, itching, and rash. Recovery usually occurs within 2-7 days. A small percentage of cases progress to severe dengue, characterized by bleeding, low platelet count, plasma leakage, and dangerously low blood pressure.

1953: First Report of Severe Hemorrhagic Form of Dengue in the Philippines

In 1953, the severe hemorrhagic form of dengue was first reported in the Philippines.

1998: Awareness month in the Philippines

Since 1998, The Philippines has an awareness month in June.

2010: International Anti-Dengue Day agreed upon

In 2010, the idea for International Anti-Dengue Day was first agreed upon.

2010: Increase in dengue cases reported by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded a ten-fold increase in dengue cases between 2010 and 2019.

2011: First International Anti-Dengue Day event

In 2011, the first International Anti-Dengue Day event was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

2012: International Anti-Dengue Day event in Yangon, Myanmar

In 2012, an International Anti-Dengue Day event was held in Yangon, Myanmar.

2013: Global burden of dengue estimated

A study estimated that in 2013 the global burden of dengue amounted to US$8.9 billion.

2013: International Anti-Dengue Day event in Vietnam

In 2013, an International Anti-Dengue Day event was held in Vietnam.

2013: Estimated Dengue Infections

In 2013, approximately 390 million dengue infections occurred, with 500,000 cases developing severe symptoms and 25,000 resulting in death.

2015: Dengvaxia availability

In 2015, Dengvaxia (formerly CYD-TDV) became available and was approved for use in the US, EU, and some Asian and Latin American countries.

2016: Dengvaxia availability

In 2016, Dengvaxia became commercially available, but its use was recommended only for preventing re-infection in individuals previously infected with dengue.

2019: Ongoing efforts to make International Anti-Dengue Day a global event

As of 2019, efforts are ongoing to make International Anti-Dengue Day a global event.

2019: Increase in dengue cases reported by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded a ten-fold increase in dengue cases between 2010 and 2019.

December 2022: Qdenga approved for use in the European Union

In December 2022, Qdenga (formerly TAK-003) was approved for use in the European Union after completing clinical trials.

2022: Qdenga availability

In 2022, Qdenga became available and suitable for adults, adolescents, and children from four years of age.

March 2023: Dengue Endemicity

As of March 2023, dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries across nearly every continent, excluding Antarctica.

October 2023: First confirmed symptomatic case of locally acquired dengue in California

In October 2023, the first confirmed symptomatic case of locally acquired dengue in the US was identified in California.

2023: Dengue infections reported worldwide

During 2023, over 5 million dengue infections were reported, accompanied by more than 5,000 dengue-related deaths.

March 2024: Dengue vaccines available

As of March 2024, two vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga, exist to provide protection against dengue infection.

July 2024: No specific antiviral treatment available for dengue fever

As of July 2024, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for dengue fever.

Mentioned in this timeline

Myanmar also known as Burma is a Southeast Asian country...

The World Health Organization WHO is a specialized agency of...

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian and Oceanian country situated between...

Vietnam officially the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is a...