Cost of dengue in Thailand.

ABSTRACT

The burden of hospitalized dengue cases in Thailand is high. In Khon Kaen Hospital, a provincial hospital, the cost per non-fatal case in 2005 averaged (±standard deviation) US$ 573 (±351). The majority of this cost is incurred by the government, indicating the importance of dengue to public policy. The projected national cost is US$ 158 (±33) million or US$ 3.55 (±$0.53) per capita per year. In international dollars, which adjust for purchasing power parity, the annual cost is 485 (±106) million international dollars. Of this total, 28% is for vector control while 72% represents the cost of dengue illness. The substantial cost of dengue illness indicates the potential economic value of effective control measures.