Immediate cost of dengue to Malaysia and Thailand:An estimate.

We have analysed the average annual cost of dengue in Malaysia during the period 2002–2007 and in Thailand between 2000 and 2005. The key cost components, estimated by combining existing data from both published and unpublished studies, consist of: (i) costs of non-fatal illness; (ii) vector (Aedes mosquitoes) control costs; and (iii) research and development (R&D) costs incurred by government institutions.