A review of dengue as an emerging disease in Pakistan

The presence of dengue virus has been detected using neutralization and haemagglutination inhibition antibodies in local populations in Pakistan since the 1960s. However, the first epidemic was not reported until 1994. This was followed by some cases in 1995, but the disease was confined to the port city of Karachi. Since 2006, dengue epidemics have occurred every year and the range has extended to most cities in Pakistan. Dengue now affects thousands of people and has caused hundreds of deaths. It has become a major health problem in Pakistan, and it is likely to become an even greater health problem in the coming years. This review gives an insight into the dengue situation from the early 1960s to the most recent epidemics in Pakistan, and also describes the primary vector of this disease (Aedes aegypti) in Pakistan. As such, it provides the first comprehensive review of the emergence of this important public health problem.