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Dengue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dengue

[ˈdɛŋɡeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

disease vector

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. It can lead to severe flu-like symptoms and potentially severe disease, including hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, affecting millions of people worldwide. Dengue fever can be life-threatening, making awareness and prevention critical.

Synonyms

breakbone fever, dengue fever.

Examples of usage

  • She was hospitalized due to a severe case of dengue.
  • Vaccination against dengue is being developed.
  • The outbreak of dengue in the region has raised alarms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'dengue'

The term 'dengue' is believed to have originated from the Swahili phrase 'Ka-denga pepo,' which translates to 'cramp-like seizures caused by the wind.' This phrase referred to the disease's debilitating symptoms in the late 18th century, when dengue fever was first described. The disease was officially recognized as a distinct entity by the early 19th century, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin America. As medical understanding evolved, dengue became associated with the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus. By the 20th century, dengue was increasingly documented in global health literature, establishing it as a significant public health challenge due to rapid urbanization and increased mosquito populations. Today, with the recognition of four serotypes of the dengue virus, the focus has shifted towards prevention and vaccination to combat this infectious disease.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,901, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.