Socio-economic and demographic aspects of dengue epidemiology evolution in Thailand, 1982-2012

Abstract

Dengue is the world's most important and fastest spreading viral vector-borne disease. Due to international trade and travel, demographic and climate changes, the global incidence of dengue increased 30-fold during last 50 years and it is now estimated that 50-250 million cases occur each year. Only a small percentage of cases are symptomatic and reported. Two fifths of the human population live in area at risk of dengue transmission. About 500 000 annual dengue infections are cases of potentially fatal severe dengue disease. The social and economic burden of dengue is very high, although poorly understood. The aim of this study is to examine demographic and socio-economic changes in Thailand from 1982 to 2012 and to compare them with the evolution of dengue epidemiology in Thailand. Some 160 dengue epidemiology-related articles, reports and guidelines have been revised to investigate the potential impact of socio-economic and demographic factors on dengue. Socio-economic and demographic changes in Thailand 1982-2012 were analysed. A comprehensive database was created and the data collected for each indicator was interpreted in the context of dengue epidemiology...