Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
The history of dengue outbreaks in the Americas
Olivia Brathwaite Dick1, José L San Martín, Romeo H Montoya
1Viral Diseases Program, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 525 23rd Street,Washington, DC 20037, USA. brathwaiteo@paho.org
Abstract:
Dengue is a viral disease usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue outbreaks in the Americas reported in medical literature and to the Pan American Health Organization are described. The outbreak history from 1600 to 2010 was categorized into four phases: Introduction of dengue in the Americas (1600-1946); Continental plan for the eradication of the Ae. aegypti (1947-1970) marked by a successful eradication of the mosquito in 18 continental countries by 1962; Ae. aegypti reinfestation (1971-1999) caused by the failure of the mosquito eradication program; Increased dispersion of Ae. aegypti and dengue virus circulation (2000-2010) characterized by a marked increase in the number of outbreaks. During 2010 > 1.7 million dengue cases were reported, with 50,235 severe cases and 1,185 deaths. A dramatic increase in the number of outbreaks has been reported in recent years. Urgent global action is needed to avoid further disease spread.
Related Concept Videos
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Arboviral Encephalitis
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Principles of Disease Surveillance
Influenza
