Dengue fever is caused by the four different dengue viruses (DENV 1-4) spread through the bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquito. This fever is characterized by rashes, muscle pain and severe pain behind the eyes. Dengue fever is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics but is spreading to other parts, occurring in more than 100 countries. Find out more about these mosquitoes here.
Considering how fatal dengue can become, especially in people with weaker immune systems, there has been an echoing need for vaccines. Read on to find out more about the recent attempt at creating a dengue vaccine.
Is Dengvaxia effective for everyone?
It is only applicable for patients in the age group of 9 to 45 years. The vaccine gives a 60% chance of protection against dengue infection, 90% against severe dengue and 80% against hospitalization for dengue. It has been observed that the vaccine works better with Dengue type 3 and 4 serotypes only.
Dengvaxia – Is it the perfect solution?
The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) was first registered in Mexico in December 2015 by Sanofi Pasteur which is the vaccines division of the pharmaceutical company, Sanofi. CYD-TDV is a live recombinant vaccination series that is injected thrice in a year – first one at 0 months, second at 6 and third at 12 months.
Is Dengvaxia approved by the WHO and where is it available?
Although Dengvaxia may protect the infected, it also increases the risk of dengue in unaffected people. This is the reason why the World Health Organisation has recommended its use only in endemic countries. It is currently present in 14 countries, some of which are in Mexico, Philippines, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Guatemala, Peru and Indonesia.
Is there any other dengue vaccine available?
Sun Pharma, another pharmaceutical company, is working on a new vaccine called DSV4, which is expected to provide protection to people who have never been affected by the dengue fever. According to WHO, there are 5 other dengue vaccines being researched and tested currently.
Is Dengvaxia available in India?
In India, Dengvaxia was tested but satisfying results were not found. There are so many challenges to this vaccine, but it cannot be ignored as it is a welcome relief to those who have been infected severely.
What can be done to prevent dengue in the absence of vaccinations?
While the professionals do the work of finding a suitable and effective vaccine for dengue, we should focus on protecting ourselves from getting affected. Find out ways to prevent dengue here.
All protective measures against dengue start with protecting yourself from dengue-causing mosquitoes. Always be one step ahead by applying just 4 dots of the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On while stepping out of your house for 8-hour round protection from mosquitoes. It is made up of 100% natural ingredients and is non-staining.
The Goodknight Activ+ System helps to keep your house free of mosquitoes and provides complete protection for you and your family. It lets you switch between the two modes (Normal and Activ modes) for optimum protection, depending on the number of mosquitoes.
Make sure to use mosquito repellents in the day as dengue mosquitoes bite in the daytime. Let’s put our best foot forward and follow these simple practices to stay protected from dengue.
