Dengue, Vaccination and Vector Control

Dengue is a vector borne disease transmitted by the Aedes Aegpti mosquito. The dengue virus is capable of causing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) potentially fatal forms of the disease with worldwide morbidity and mortality that has been increasing annually. Many strategies have been proposed to reduce the burden of this disease. Treatment for the various forms of the disease is supportive. Much research has been devoted to developing a vaccine to prevent this disease, but a safe and effective vaccine is not currently available. The research and difficulties surrounding the search for a vaccine will be discussed in this paper. Various forms of vector control have also been attempted over the past century with varying degrees of success. The history of the disease and vector control will be explored. This disease has been especially harmful to areas like Puerto Rico where the cost of dengue over the past ten years has been $250 million. This paper will include a systematic review of the literature to determine a feasible, cost effective and sustainable policy for long-term reduction of dengue-related morbidity and mortality in Puerto Rico.Master of Public Healt