"One World Against Dengue"
World Dengue Day is observed each year on 15 June to raise awareness of dengue, a neglected tropical disease and one of the fastest-spreading infectious conditions worldwide.
Key facts about dengue
- Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- Approximately half of the world's population is at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
- Dengue is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
- While many DENV infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild illness, some can progress to severe dengue and even result in death.
- Prevention and control of dengue primarily rely on vector control. Although there is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue, early detection and access to appropriate medical care significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes and death.
WHO response to dengue
WHO works with Member States and partners to:
- Support countries in the confirmation of outbreaks through its collaborating network of laboratories.
- Provide technical advice and guidance for the effective management of dengue outbreaks.
- Strengthen national surveillance and reporting systems to better capture the true burden of the disease.
- Deliver training on clinical management, diagnosis and vector control at both country and regional levels.
- Formulate evidence-based strategies and policies.
- Support countries in developing and implementing prevention and control strategies, including adoption of the Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030) and the Global Arbovirus Initiative.
- Review and provide recommendations on the development of new tools, including insecticide products and application technologies.
- Collect and analyze official records of dengue and severe dengue from more than 100 Member States.
- Publish guidance, handbooks and technical resources on surveillance, case management, diagnosis, prevention and control.
World Dengue Day 2026 flagship event
This year, the flagship World Dengue Day 2026 event will take place in Singapore in conjunction with the 9th Asia Dengue Summit 2026.
Please register here to attend virtually.
World Dengue Day 2026 Communications Toolkit
Please access the communications material here.
World Dengue Day 2026 on social media
LinkedIn | (@WorldDengueDay) / X | Facebook