Dengue

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection and is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease. There has been a 30-fold increase in global incidence over the past 50 years. 

Dengue is not spread directly from person to person. The viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus. 

The adult Aedes mosquitoes can be present inside and around homes and other buildings, during the day and at night when the lights are on.  

The Aedes prefers to lay its eggs in small artificial containers, preferring locations near humans. Treatment or destruction of breeding sites is a key method to reduce the incidence of disease. Locating all breeding sites can be logistically challenging. 

Given these challenges, especially in urban environments, and during during disease epidemics, the application of space-spray insecticides, targeting adult mosquitoes, is a recognised method to reduce the threat and spread of the disease.

For information on Dengue fever around the world, download the infographics in PDF format here.