Dengue fever: epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, is rapidly increasing worldwide and affects overhalf of the world’s population in at-risk areas. Factors such as globalization, urbanization, andclimate change have fueled its rapid geographical expansion. Although no indigenous denguecases have been identified in Korea, the number of imported dengue cases has increasedfrom travel to endemic regions. In Korea, dengue diagnosis relies mainly on detecting anti-dengue antibodies or viral nucleic acids using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Althoughspecific antiviral treatments for dengue are currently unavailable, promising progress hasbeen made in developing antiviral agents that target viral replication. Single-dose tetravalentlive-attenuated dengue vaccine candidates are currently being evaluated for their safety andefficacy. Innovative vector control methods, including Wolbachia-infected and geneticallymodified species of Aedes mosquitos, have demonstrated promising results. Owing to thelimited therapeutic options, vector control strategies remain a primary focus for preventingtransmission, alongside ongoing research on antiviral drugs and vaccine development. Thisreview provides insight into dengue fever transmission, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. Additionally, it covers current global control measures, emerging treatment options, and thestatus of vaccines in development.