Dengue

/ˈdɛŋɡeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash.

After returning from vacation in the tropics, she discovered she had contracted dengue.

An infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, part of the flavivirus family.

The outbreak of dengue in the city raised public health concerns.

A disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, often associated with heavy rainfall.

Health officials are worried about a spike in dengue cases due to the monsoon season.

Dengue fever, a severe form of the disease, which can lead to more serious complications.

He was hospitalized due to complications from dengue fever.

Etymology

The word 'dengue' is thought to originate from the Swahili phrase 'ka-dinga pepo', referring to the sudden appearance of the disease, although some sources trace it to the Spanish 'dengue' meaning 'fever'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

dengue hemorrhagic fever

A severe form of dengue characterized by bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and low platelet count.

dengue shock syndrome

A serious condition that can occur with dengue fever, leading to organ failure.

Related Words

mosquito-borne

Referring to diseases transmitted through mosquito bites.

arbovirus

A type of virus transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes.

Slang Meanings

Dengue fever as a casual term.

After coming back from vacation, I was told to watch out for dengue.

Feeling of extreme fatigue or sickness associated with dengue.

I felt dengue-ish after that tropical trip.