The U.S. has recently approved the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya under the name Ixchiq.
About the recent developed vaccine:
- The vaccine is injected in one dose and contains a live, weakened chikungunya virus.
[ref-who]
About the Chikungunya:
- Chikungunya is a viral disease primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- These mosquitoes are also known to transmit other diseases like dengue and Zika.
- It is caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which belongs to the Togaviridae family.
- The name chikungunya derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted”.
- It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
- It was initially identified Tanzania of Africa in 1952, since then, outbreaks have occurred in various parts of the world, including Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Transmission:
- The Aedes mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on the blood of infected humans.
- It can be passed from a pregnant person to their unborn child, which can be fatal to new-borns.
Symptoms:
- The symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash.
- It appears typically 4–8 days (range 2–12 days) after the bite of an infected mosquito.
- The joint pain associated with Chikungunya can be severe which often lasts for weeks or months.
Treatment:
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya.
- Management only involves relieving symptoms such as fever and joint pain.
- Supportive care, rest, and adequate hydration are essential for recovery.
Global Impact:
- Chikungunya has become a global public health concern due to its ability to cause widespread outbreaks with high morbidity.
[ref-WHO]
Ref: Source
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