The economic impact of dental caries (tooth decay) is disproportionately higher in the most deprived groups, with estimated per-person costs of approximately £18,000 (equivalent to $22,500) in the UK that could be dramatically reduced with targeted preventative measures, found new research.

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other partners conducted a comprehensive review of Chagas disease in Switzerland. Although typically found in Latin America, Chagas disease affects between 2,000 and 4,000 people in Switzerland. The review, published yesterday in the Swiss Medical Weekly, underscores the need for improved screening and healthcare strategies to eliminate Chagas disease in Switzerland.