Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication known as severe dengue. The Western Pacific Region continues to face a high burden of mosquito-borne arboviral diseases, particularly dengue. These diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality. WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office conducts both indicator-based and event-based surveillance for dengue in the region, especially in the Member States where dengue is endemic. This surveillance aims to monitor the overall situation, detect unusual signals in case trends and severity, and assess risks in a timely manner and provide support for response.

Between 1 January 2023 to 7 December 2023, over 500 000 dengue cases and 750 deaths were reported from eight countries/territories/areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region: Australia, Cambodia, China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Viet Nam. Dengue is endemic in several countries such as Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Philippines, and Viet Nam and continues to be a threat in Pacific Islands countries and areas. 

A summary of the situation in the region is published bi-weekly.