Dengue fever trends and disease burden: a comparative study between China and global data from 1990 to 2021

Dengue fever remains a growing global health challenge with increasing incidence and shifting disease burden. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we analyzed global and Chinese dengue trends from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDR) were calculated, and temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual and average annual percent changes. Globally, dengue cases increased from 26.4 million in 1990 to 59 million in 2021, accompanied by a rise in ASIR and DALYs from 1.25 million to 2.08 million. In contrast, China experienced a rise in incidence from 4,364 to 26,748 cases but a decline in DALYs from 3,568 to 622, indicating improved disease control and management. Age-specific analysis revealed the highest incidence among children aged 10–14 years globally and 5–9 years in China, while the greatest DALY burden occurred in children under five worldwide and in middle-aged to elderly adults in China. Overall, dengue incidence continues to rise globally, but declining DALYs in China suggest progress in disease mitigation. Strengthening vector control, early diagnosis, and regional cooperation remains critical to reducing dengue’s global health burden.