History of Dengue fever in Timeline

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. Many cases are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, they typically manifest 3-14 days post-infection. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, itchy skin, and rash. Recovery usually takes 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 Dengue

The first documented instance of severe hemorrhagic dengue fever was reported in the Philippines in 1953.

1998: Philippines Dengue Awareness Month

Since 1998, the Philippines has dedicated June as Dengue Awareness Month.

2010: Start of Dengue Incidence Increase

Between 2010 and 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a tenfold increase in dengue cases, rising from 500,000 to 5 million.

2010: International Anti-Dengue Day Agreement

The concept of International Anti-Dengue Day, observed annually on June 15th in several countries, was first agreed upon in 2010.

2011: First International Anti-Dengue Day Event

The inaugural International Anti-Dengue Day event took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2011.

2012: International Anti-Dengue Day in Yangon

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

2013: Estimated Global Economic Burden of Dengue

A 2013 study estimated that dengue fever resulted in a global economic burden of US$8.9 billion.

2013: International Anti-Dengue Day in Vietnam

In 2013, Vietnam hosted the International Anti-Dengue Day events.

2013: Estimated Global Dengue Infections and Deaths

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

2015: Dengvaxia Vaccine Initial Availability

Dengvaxia, initially called CYD-TDV, became available in 2015 and was approved for use in the US, EU, and parts of Asia and Latin America.

2016: Dengvaxia Vaccine Availability

The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, became available in 2016, recommended only for individuals with prior dengue infection to prevent re-infection.

2019: Ongoing Efforts for Global Recognition

As of 2019, efforts were underway to establish International Anti-Dengue Day as a globally recognized event.

2019: End of Dengue Incidence Increase

By 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a tenfold increase in dengue cases since 2010, rising from 500,000 to 5 million.

December 2022: Qdenga Vaccine Approval and Recommendations

In December 2022, Qdenga, previously known as TAK-003, completed clinical trials and received approval for use in the European Union and several other countries. It was also recommended by the World Health Organization's SAGE committee.

2022: Qdenga Vaccine Availability

In 2022, a second dengue vaccine, Qdenga, was released, suitable for a broader age range and individuals without prior dengue infection.

March 2023: Global Dengue Endemic Status

As of March 2023, dengue was endemic in over 100 countries, impacting all continents except Antarctica, with the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific regions most affected.