WHAT IS DENGUE?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 main types numbered Dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in urban and semi-urban settings. Around half of the world’s population is considered at risk. An estimated 100–400 million infections occur each year. Many infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness, but some can progress to severe dengue and, in rare cases, can be fatal.
In 2026, many countries around the world are seeing increased Dengue activity. By July 2026, over 1.5 million cases and 500 deaths have been reported globally.
GAMEPLAY SCENARIOS
1. MOSQUITOES AND DENGUE
In the game, infected mosquitoes move through the neighbourhood to bite the player and reduce their health. Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. Aedes aegypti is the main vector, although other species such as Aedes albopictus can also transmit the virus.
These mosquitoes are mainly active during the day, with biting often peaking in the early morning and again in the late afternoon or around dusk. A mosquito can become infected when it feeds on a person who has dengue virus in their blood and can later pass the virus to another person through subsequent bites.
2. WATER CONTAINERS
The aim of the game is to search the neighbourhood for water-filled containers and empty them before the number of mosquitoes increase.
In real life, Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue commonly breed in small collections of stagnant water around homes and communities, including buckets, tires, discarded containers, flower pots and other water-holding objects. Regularly emptying, covering or removing these containers can interrupt the mosquito life cycle and reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.
3. POWER-UP [REPELLANT]
In the game, collecting repellent provides temporary protection and helps keep mosquitoes away from the player.
In real life, the World Health Organization lists the use of repellents as a personal protection measure to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, and recommends that they should contain active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin/icaridin or IR3535 used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repellent is best used alongside other dengue prevention measures, such as protective clothing, mosquito nets, window screens and coils/vaporisers. the suitability and safe use of these measures may vary by setting, so local recommendations from relevant health authorities should be followed.
4. POWER-UP [CLOTHING]
In the game, collecting protective clothing provides temporary protection from mosquito bites.
In real life, wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible can reduce exposed skin and help prevent mosquito bites. Protective clothing is best used together with other measures such as insect repellent and reducing mosquito breeding sites
6. RAIN
In the game, rainfall creates additional water-filled containers that players must find and empty.
In real life, rain can fill containers and other small spaces with water, creating new places where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed. This is why checking properties and removing standing water soon after rain can be an important part of dengue prevention.
7. HEALTH CENTRE
In the game, visiting the health centre restores health after mosquito bites.
This represents the importance of recognising illness early and seeking appropriate healthcare. There is no specific treatment for dengue infections. Severe cases require hospitalisation. Early assessment, appropriate fluid management and careful monitoring for warning signs can help prevent complications for people with severe dengue. There is a dengue vaccine available in some countries for specific age groups in high transmission settings.
NOTE
The game turns key elements of dengue prevention and control into simple gameplay. The game is not intended to simulate every aspect of dengue transmission and prevention. Its purpose is to introduce important concepts, raise awareness of Dengue and prevention in order to encourage further discussion.
For educational purposes only. Use is subject to the Public Health Academy Terms of Use.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND DENGUE DEFENDER
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
-
European Centre for Disease Control- Dengue worldwide overview: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-monthly
-
World Health Organization: Dengue [fact sheet] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
-
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): About Dengue. https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/about/index.html