For those who are traveling abroad this summer, particularly to Southeast Asia, Central and South America (including southern Florida), Western Pacific regions, and Sub-Saharan Africa, beware of dengue fever. The Aedes mosquitoes carry this virus and if bitten, patients can experience intense headaches, fever, rash, muscle/joint aches, nausea, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting, fatigue, and, in extreme cases, death. The WHO estimates that 20,000 people die each year from dengue fever, and 50-100 million new infections occur annually.
Last year, a JAMA article highlighted the trials underway to develop a vaccine. The tetravalent vaccine would be licensed for widespread use in endemic regions, among travelers, and in the military (Sanofi Pasteur and GlaxoSmithKline are the two companies leading these trials.) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also launched its first trial for a tetravalent vaccine, but is moving more cautiously.
Interestingly, new JAMA article discusses the economic value of a dengue vaccine for Thailand. They evaluated certain scenarios for the country's residents, such as their probability of going to a clinic, their ability to pay for the vaccine at certain levels, and what the net effect of the vaccine would have on Thailan's economy. The authors claim that up to $200, the vaccine would be cost-effective and that the full vaccine (cost at $200) would increase GDP by $12,868. It's a really interesting article directed to key stakeholders, including Thailand's policy makers, who stand to benefit greatly from the forthcoming release of the vaccine. Stakeholder map in action!
But, just a word of caution for anyone traveling to those regions this summer - wear insect repellant, keep your skin covered, and avoid standing water.
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