In 2012, dengue ranked as the fastest spreading vector-borne viral disease with an epidemic potential in the world, registering a 30-fold increase in disease incidence over the past 50 years," the WHO said in a statement.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection.

The infection causes flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.

The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades.

About half of the world's population is now at risk.

Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Severe dengue is a leading cause of serious illness and death among children in some Asian and Latin American countries.

There is no specific treatment for dengue/ severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%.

Dengue prevention and control solely depends on effective vector control measures.

Preliminary study of dengue virus infection in Iran

DENGUE-GUIDELINES FOR DIAGNOSIS,TREATMENT, PREVENTION AND CONTROL-WHO