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

OH NO!!! FAUX NEWZ!!!!

Update your antivirus program before clicking the link.

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

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.

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.

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

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,

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 !

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.