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Updated: May 12, 2026

Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes A. aegypti and Infection Phenotype Determination
Published on: July 4, 2007
Dengue epidemic in China before 1978.
Xiang Guo1, Haiyang Chen1, Ruifeng Lin2,3
1Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
Historical records suggest dengue epidemics in China were rare before 1840. Dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks occurred between 1840-1949, influenced by international exchange and global trends.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Medical History
- Virology
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) is a significant global health threat, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Understanding the historical epidemiology of DENV is crucial for public health preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical prevalence and characteristics of dengue epidemics in China before 1978.
- To analyze the temporal patterns and potential drivers of DENV outbreaks in China.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of ancient Chinese texts and historical records.
- Analysis of documented dengue occurrences across different time periods in China.
Main Results:
- No evidence of dengue epidemics in China before 1840.
- Notable dengue occurrences documented in the 1870s, 1920s, and 1940s (1840-1949).
- Sporadic reports of dengue from 1949 to 1978.
Conclusions:
- Dengue epidemics in China appear to be primarily driven by imported cases linked to international exchange.
- Local outbreaks are influenced by global DENV epidemic trends.
- Historical analysis provides insights into DENV transmission dynamics and epidemic patterns.
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