Origin of the Term "Dengue": From Swahili to Global Usage

The word dengue derives from the Swahili dinga ("cramp" or "seizure"), describing the sudden, severe joint pain of the disease. Portuguese physician Garcia d'Orta first used it in the 17th century after observing cases in India. English and French adopted the term in the 18th–19th centuries.

The name reflects the disease's hallmark symptom: excruciating muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever").