Global Center for Health Security

- Our Expertise Overview
- Why Nebraska?
  Nebraska’s difference is an all-star, all-volunteer team that dedicated itself to being ready for any biocontainment crisis at any time.
- Leadership
  The Global Center is led by experts in biopreparedness and high-consequence infections research, education and clinical care.
- Scholars
  Our scholars represent the pinnacle of health security expertise and are integral to advancing the mission of the GCHS in the domains of clinical care, operational response, research and development, and training in health security, and emergency response. GCHS scholars play a critical role by contributing to strategic priorities, shaping initiatives, and advancing the GCHS’s global leadership.
- Affiliates
  Our affiliates are innovative experts collaborating to advance global health security.
- C-STARS
  C-STARS, the Center for Sustainment of Trauma Readiness Skills- Omaha is a collaboration between UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s School of Aerospace Medicine. C-STARS Omaha works closely with UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security, iEXCEL, and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit to take advantage of the medical center’s capabilities and expertise in biopreparedness training and research.
- Our Team
  Our team consists of a variety of professionals providing support and project management to further the Global Center for Health Security’s mission.
- Domains Overview
- Clinical Operations
  The Global Center for Health Security is the premier U.S. institution for management of high-consequence infections. Further, our clinical capabilities include biological, chemical, burn, and radiation domains.
- Education & Training
  Our expertise is now sought worldwide and officially sanctioned by the U.S. government. The GCHS is the home base to the national Training, Simulation, and Quarantine Center and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- Research
  The GCHS has laser-focused existing work by our leading scientists in fields like chemical weapons, drug discovery and public health.
- International Partnerships & Innovation
  The GCHS tackles the most pressing problems in emerging infectious diseases through international partnerships and innovation.
- Programs Overview
- Core Capabilities
  Learn about the GCHS’ 4 core capabilities: Emerging Pathogens Lab , Nebraska Biocontainment Unit , the National Quarantine Unit, and deployable teams.
- Core Programs
  The GCHS works with multiple core programs to enhance our capabilities to respond effectively to public health challenges.
- Partnerships
  The GCHS partners with many outside organizations to strengthen our commitment to addressing global health challenges through research and innovation.
- Associated Groups & Programs
  Learn more about the impactful programs led by GCHS leadership, scholar, and affiliates.
- Academic Programs
  Explore GCHS academic programs which include the Health Security Fellowship and the Biological Defense and Health Security program.
- Health Emergencies Overview
- Outbreaks to Watch
  Find information about emerging pathogens, diseases and outbreaks from around the world. Stay updated on the most recent information on worldwide global health and emerging pathogens outbreaks.
- Measles
  The GCHS is currently monitoring measles cases. This page provides information, resources, and news.
- Emerging Respiratory Infections
  Explore current respiratory infections such as Influenza, Whopping Cough, RSV and more.
- H5 Avian Influenza
  Learn more about the current worldwide H5 Avian Influenza outbreak and explore resources, news, webinars, and our unofficial map.
- Mpox
  The Global Center for Health Security is currently monitoring the spread of mpox. Learn more by viewing our resources.
- COVID-19
  Explore our COVID-19 page for recent news, resources, manuals, and playbooks. Biweekly overviews of new data and developments presented by James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA can now be found on the Health Emergencies page.
The Transmission
- News Overview
- Events
  Explore GCHS and partner upcoming events and training opportunities.
- Annual Reports
  Explore our annual reports.
- Videos
  Explore our videos.

Dengue Fever

A mosquito on human skin to depict the transfer of dengue fever virus.

About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is the most common mosquito-borne viral illness in the world and is common in tropical and subtropical regions—and it’s a big global health issue. It can range from a miserable flu-like sickness to a dangerous, life-threatening disease if it becomes severe. Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four closely related types (DENV-1 to DENV-4). You can get dengue more than once, and subsequent infections raise the risk of severe disease.

What to know:

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the daytime especially early morning and late afternoon.
Dengue does not spread from person to person.
Dengue is primarly found in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.
Symptoms usually start 4–10 days after a mosquito bite, and include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

Mayo Clinic

Dengue Fever Overview

WHO

Dengue Fever Fact Sheet

How a Bacterial Infection in Mosquitoes Could Cut Dengue Infections in People

February 11, 2026

Pacific nations attempt to 'fight the bite' of dengue fever as Fiji confirms death

Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations, CDC alerts