Investigating the Theoretical Possibility of Dengue Fever in Ancient Egypt
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Keywords

ancient Egypt; dengue; fever; history of medicine; infectious diseases; mosquito; palaeopathology.

Abstract

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, has become a significant global health concern, with cases surging in recent years. While no explicit records of dengue exist from ancient Egypt, this study explores the theoretical possibility of its presence during that era. By integrating contemporary epidemiological data, historical medical texts, entomological studies, and palaeoclimatic analyses, the problem of whether ancient Egyptians could have encountered a disease resembling dengue is assessed.

https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2025.66.2.3601
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