Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus affecting more than 390 million people each year. While the disease is generally mild, it can be deadly.

Recent research shows dengue is between 100 and 800 years old. It likely originated in Africa or Southeast Asia and was then carried to other parts of the world through travel and trade.

In recent years, dengue has spread to over 100 countries. Now, travelers to popular destinations like Brazil and India could contract the disease.

The virus is also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to its symptoms.