The disease is present in Asia and Latin America, causing about 20,000 deaths each year. Dengue fever will be a major threat as it becomes endemic in the southern United States, southern Europe and new areas of Africa, all areas where there has already been limited local transmission, and this is because of global warming that makes new areas hospitable to the mosquitoes that spread it and also because of increased movement of people between continents.
In 2022 4.2 milion cases were reported worldwide and public health officials have warned that near-record levels of transmission are expected this year. Those who contract the disease may experience fever, muscle spasms, and joint pain so severe that it is known as “broken bone fever.” In severe cases it can be fatal.
