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Conclusions

The DENVs are old viruses that have re-emerged during the latter half of the 20th century. Regarded as a tropical fever disease affecting more than two thirds of the world's population, dengue is also the main cause after malaria of tropical fever among travelers and ranks as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. The lack of potent antiviral drugs and an effective vaccine results in ∼500,000 individuals, mainly children, being hospitalized with severe dengue every year and causes tremendous economic losses for both households and whole nations. The pathogenesis of the DENVs are not well understood, partly due to the absence of good animal models. Effective vector control measures are the sole weapon against dengue today, while we are hoping for improved diagnostics, clinical treatment, and an effective vaccine.