Recent news
April 2011
FDA approves first diagnostic for dengue fever
April 19, 2011 -- The first test to help diagnose people with symptoms of dengue fever has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The DENV Detect IgM Capture ELISA test detects dengue antibodies in the blood. It is based on technology developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is manufactured by Inbios Inc., of Seattle, Washington.
As many as 100 million people globally are believed infected each year with dengue fever, according to the CDC. Most cases in the continental United States can be traced to travelers returning from abroad. However, recent dengue outbreaks have been reported in Hawaii, Texas, and Florida. “Cases of dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever can be potentially fatal for people who do not recognize the symptoms,” said Alberto Gutierrez, director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics Device Evaluation and Safety in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “This test will now aid health care professionals in their effort to more effectively diagnose dengue.” See the links below for more information.
