dengue

American  

[deng-gey, -gee] / ˈdɛŋ geɪ, -gi /

noun

Pathology.

1. an infectious, eruptive fever of warm climates, usually epidemic, characterized especially by severe pains in the joints and muscles.

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dengue British  

/ ˈdændɪ, ˈdɛŋɡɪ /

noun

1. Also called: breakbone fever.  an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by headache, fever, pains in the joints, and skin rash

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dengue Scientific  

/ dĕng′gē,-gā /

1. An acute, infectious tropical disease caused by any of several viruses of the genus Flavivirus. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, and characterized by high fever, rash, headache, and severe muscle and joint pain.

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Etymology

Origin of dengue

An Americanism first recorded in 1820–30; from Latin American Spanish: literally, “prudery, affectation,” by folk etymology from Swahili -dinga, kadinga “seizure, cramp” or from another Bantu language

Explanation

Dengue is a tropical disease that's spread through mosquito bites. The best way to avoid getting dengue is to use insect repellant and cover windows with mosquito netting. Dengue, or dengue fever, is a common viral illness in more than 100 countries around the world. It is usually relatively mild, but about 18 percent of infected people end up in the hospital, some of them requiring blood transfusions. Symptoms include body aches, fever, and rash, with severe cases causing low platelet counts. As the climate warms and mosquito populations grow, dengue cases have also increased. Dengue is derived from the Swahili dinga, "seizure or cramp."

Example Sentences

The stakes became clear that year, when California reported 18 locally acquired dengue cases — a sharp rise from the first-ever cases confirmed the year before.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Malaria is rampant at the camps, and last year, the miner said, he came home to find he had malaria, dengue fever and kidney failure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

She was forced to rely on a local pharmacist who repeatedly misdiagnosed her with malaria and dengue fever for about a year.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

The island has experienced a widespread outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases in recent weeks with huge numbers of people affected by dengue fever and chikungunya.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

“Dr. Sumitra thinks they may have dengue fever. It’s carried by mosquitoes.”

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman