Dengue in the Anthropocene: intersections of environmental change, disease epidemic, management and current challenges in global health

Dengue fever, the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease, has experienced a tenfold increase in incidence over the past two decades, posing a significant global public health challenge. In 2023, more than five million cases and over 5000 dengue-related deaths were recorded, with exceeding numbers in 2024. This narrative review provides a comprehensive summary of the current epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, prevention and management strategies for dengue fever, with a particular focus on the influence of climate changes and human activities on the spread of this vector-borne disease. Factors such as climate change, urbanization, and population movements have contributed to the expanding geographic distribution and increased incidence of dengue. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges associated with accurate disease surveillance and underscores the importance of integrated strategies-including climate-adaptive surveillance, vector control, and public health policies-to mitigate the impact of dengue. This information is essential for clinicians and policymakers to implement effective surveillance and prevention measures, ultimately reducing the incidence and burden on public health.