Doc Alan
11th August 2011, 20:23
There is a global pandemic of dengue, the commonest mosquito - borne disease, caused by an RNA flavivirus. No curative drug or vaccine are yet available. Part of the problem has been that the virus only infects humans, and there are 4 strains. The " 4-S " prevention measures ( Search and destroy breeding sites ; Self - protection ; Seeking early supportive treatment ; Saying no to indiscriminate fogging / spraying agents ) clearly haven't worked. At last news comes from Laguna in the Philippines of an advanced trial of a vaccine by Sanofi - Pasteur ( http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01064141?term=CYD08rank=1 ). The trial is to be extended to Cebu.
It could be " fast - tracked " if no dangerous side - effects are discovered. But it could take until 2014 before the vaccine becomes available to the world...
This is potentially excellent news for the Philippines ( where dengue was first reported 60 years ago ) and the world.
Sadly, until the vaccine is available ( and affordable ) the number of cases of dengue seems destined to rise.
Remember, treatment is supportive - bed rest, hydration, paracetamol ( NOT aspirin / ibuprofen which might aggravate internal bleeding ). That at least ensures that most people getting dengue will recover :)
It could be " fast - tracked " if no dangerous side - effects are discovered. But it could take until 2014 before the vaccine becomes available to the world...
This is potentially excellent news for the Philippines ( where dengue was first reported 60 years ago ) and the world.
Sadly, until the vaccine is available ( and affordable ) the number of cases of dengue seems destined to rise.
Remember, treatment is supportive - bed rest, hydration, paracetamol ( NOT aspirin / ibuprofen which might aggravate internal bleeding ). That at least ensures that most people getting dengue will recover :)