University of Lynchburg Doctoral Project Assignment Repository
Specialty
Infectious disease
Abstract
Dengue virus, a rapidly expanding tropical arbovirus with four distinct serotypes, poses a growing global public health threat—particularly in regions where healthcare systems are ill-equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage its severe manifestations. Transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue typically manifests as an acute febrile illness characterized by severe myalgias ("bone-breaking fever"), arthralgias, gastrointestinal distress, and hemorrhagic tendencies. In severe cases, the infection can progress to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Because definitive antiviral therapeutics remain in development, supportive clinical care, with a critical focus on timely intravenous fluid resuscitation, is the cornerstone of management. Prevention relies predominantly on vector control and personal protective measures. Vaccine development is complicated by antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), a phenomenon in which heterologous secondary infections or non-protective vaccine-induced immunity can worsen disease severity, as observed with Dengvaxia; researchers are currently evaluating novel tetravalent candidates to mitigate this risk. Accurate diagnosis depends on identifying specific time-dependent diagnostic windows using clinical findings, complete blood counts, and targeted laboratory assays. This review synthesizes dengue management, severe complications, diagnostic strategies, and ongoing challenges in vaccine and therapeutic development.
Recommended Citation
Artigas C. Dengue: A Global and Emerging Health Challenge. University of Lynchburg Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(3).
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