Global spread of dengue virus types: mapping the 70 year history

•The geography of type-specific global DENV circulation has not been well described.•We map the global distribution and co-circulation of each DENV type from 1943 to 2013.•Detection of all types has expanded worldwide together with growing hyperendemicity.•There remains a dearth of type-specific information in many parts of the world. Since the first isolation of dengue virus (DENV) in 1943, four types have been identified. Global phenomena such as urbanization and international travel are key factors in facilitating the spread of dengue. Documenting the type-specific record of DENV spread has important implications for understanding patterns in dengue hyperendemicity and disease severity as well as vaccine…