Dengue fever is a disease known to be spread by mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions, where the climate generally lacks a significantly colder season when insects might hibernate. Developing out of an initial infection with the dengue virus, the disease can result in a high fever, headaches, vomiting, and prominent skin rashes. Also known as "breakbone fever," dengue fever is also known to result in joint pain and muscle spasms. Pregnant patients and those who have contracted the disease in the past are especially vulnerable.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. suggests that around 5 percent of infectees will develop a severe case of dengue fever, which can heavily impact blood health and result in bleeding, while around 1 percent will develop a case that is ultimately fatal. The disease is particularly common in Asia and Latin America, where it causes an estimated 20,000 deaths per year.