Dengue fever infects 390 million people each year, and kills as many as 25,000, according to the World Health Organization. TThe Philippines' Department of Health launched a school-based immunization program in highly affected areas, making it the first country where the vaccine is commercially available. Around 70% of dengue fever cases occur in Asia, with the Philippines reporting 200,000 cases in 2013, according to Sanofi.
It's one of the world's most common mosquito-borne viruses, with severe symptoms including headaches, rashes and leaking blood vessels. The makers of the vaccine are confident it can reduce cases in the Philippines by 24% over the next five years.
Source: MedWorld N
