Dengue reborn - Widespread resurgence of a resilient vector

In the nineteenth century, dengue fever was a mild illness found in the tropics. In the last 60 years, however, the range of the disease has steadily broadened, and dengue has now become a major public health concern for two reasons: the speed with which it is spreading and the escalating seriousness of its complications. Dengue is also emerging as a special concern to lower-income populations. Although dengue experts agree on many of the causes behind the disease's spread, there is disagreement over the role climate change may play, if any. To curb the spread of dengue, researchers are working to develop vaccines, genetically modifying mosquito vectors to make them incapable of transmitting the virus, and testing methods of controlling mosquito populations.