There are four serotypes of the dengue virus that are transmitted to humans by the Aedes mosquito. While dengue fever causes mild illness, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome can be deadly if left untreated. Current control strategies focus on reducing mosquito populations through larvicide use and eliminating breeding sites, but novel biological approaches are being explored including using Wolbachia bacteria to transform mosquito populations or predator copepods. Further research continues into viral genetics and host immunology to better understand disease pathogenesis and identify new treatment targets.

1. Biological Control of Dengue Dr. Ijaz Ali IBGE SAPCID

7. Worldwide distribution of Aedes aegypti , dengue virus serotypes, and dengue epidemic activity. Figure is modified from Gubler

10. The Non-ADE and ADE Pathway: Electron micrographs of Macrophages