Spike in dengue cases expected in Thailand in 2016, expert says

[webfact]

Spike in dengue cases expected in Thailand in 2016, expert says

BANGKOK – The number of dengue cases in Thailand is expected to spike this year, a researcher said, as experts from across Asia met to discuss introduction of the first ever dengue vaccine to control and prevent the disease.

Dengue - which causes flu-like symptoms and can develop into the deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever - is the world's fastest-spreading tropical disease, with the annual number of cases increasing 30-fold in the last 50 years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The disease is endemic in 128 countries - compared with nine countries experiencing severe dengue epidemics prior to 1970. Asia has the most cases, with 67 million people infected per year, researchers say.

Full story: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/01/14/spike-in-dengue-cases-expected-in-thailand-in-2016-expert-says.html

-- FOX NEWS 2016-01-15

[NeverSure]

OH NO!!! FAUX NEWZ!!!!

Update your antivirus program before clicking the link.

[rethaier]

So what are they doing about controlling mosquitoes in urban areas? Little to Nothing!

[TomJoad]

On a more positive note. There's a vaccine in development now that appears to provide protection against all 3 (or is it 4?) strains of the virus. It's raised the hopes of researchers lately. If it proves as promising as the hype, it could be available soon.

[Roota]

So what are they doing about controlling mosquitoes in urban areas? Little to Nothing!

Well which urban area? Where I live, as in a lot of Thai cities, they spray regularly.

[Ulic]

So, severe drought in 2016, less rain and less time and areas for mosquito breading = a greater Dengue incidence.

[sawadee1947]

On a more positive note. There's a vaccine in development now that appears to provide protection against all 3 (or is it 4?) strains of the virus. It's raised the hopes of researchers lately. If it proves as promising as the hype, it could be available soon.

WRONG! There is already a vaccine on the market made by SANOFI called DENGVAXIA,

[Dumbastheycome]

So, severe drought in 2016, less rain and less time and areas for mosquito breading = a greater Dengue incidence.

The mosquito responsible requires little but fresh water. And its breeding cycle is very short. Water in the base of a pot plant is enough. A few leaves holding water on the ground, a discarded water bottle with just a few dregs, etc. And the base population is increasing globally and into non tropical zones!

These mossie mothers are a serous problem !

[Dumbastheycome]

Thailand is reportedly in joint phase 2 trials of

TetraVax-DV

There are various other vaccines also being developed or tested globally.

Perhaps the purchasing cost to Thailand of a vaccine it is part of trialling will make it an economic option.