Hospital‐Based Study of the Economic Burden Associated with Rotavirus Diarrhea in Hong Kong
Departments of 1Paediatrics and 2Microbiology and 3Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4Department of Economics, Hong Kong Baptist University, 5Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, 6Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and 7Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; 8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; 9Merck Research Laboratories, West Point, Pennsylvania
Background.
Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in both developed and developing countries.
Methods.To estimate the economic burden associated with rotavirus infection in Hong Kong, we combined data on the disease burden of rotavirus‐associated hospital admissions with detailed cost data for a subsample of 471 children with diarrhea admitted to hospitals.
Results.The annual total social cost and total direct medical cost for rotavirus‐associated admissions were calculated as US $4.3 and US $4 million, respectively, by use of data collected during March 2001 to March 2003. The estimate of the direct medical costs was 
4‐fold higher than a previous estimate; this difference largely reflects the greater disease burden identified through active disease surveillance conducted under the auspices of the Asian Rotavirus Surveillance Network. On average, families spent US $120 when their child’s admission was associated with rotavirus infection; this cost represents 10% of the monthly salary of an unskilled or service worker.
Conclusions.These data emphasize the potential for a safe and effective rotavirus vaccine to reduce the economic burden associated with rotavirus disease.
Cited by
Online publication date: 1-Apr-2008.
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Online publication date: 1-Feb-2008.
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Online publication date: 1-Jan-2008.
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Presented in part: Internal meetings of the Asian Rotavirus Surveillance Network.
Financial support: Hong Kong Research Grants Council; World Health Organization Department of Vaccines and Biologicals; Merck & Co., Inc.
Potential conflicts of interest: T.C.M. holds equity interest in Merck. E.A.S.N. has received funding and support from Merck for rotavirus surveillance studies, is currently principal investigator of a phase 3 rotavirus vaccine study funded by GlaxoSmithKline, and has received lecture fees and travel support from GlaxoSmithKline. All other authors: no potential conflicts reported.