The United States approved the first chikungunya vaccine developed by European group Valneva on Thursday, November 9, health officials said in a statement communicated. The vaccine, marketed under the name Ixchiq, is approved for people aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus, said the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whose decisions are being widely followed around the world. Valneva has also submitted an application for approval to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The chikungunya virus, which is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, causes sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms can sometimes last for months or even years, but deaths are rare. This disease is mainly found in tropical regions, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia and certain regions of the Americas. However, chikungunya has spread to new regions of the world, leading to an increase in cases, the FDA said, calling it a disease “emerging global health threat”. Cases have been registered in Europe. According to the FDA, at least five million cases of infection have been recorded in the last 15 years.
“Chikungunya virus infections can lead to serious and long-term health problems, particularly in older people and those with underlying medical conditions.”, emphasized in the press release Peter Marks, senior official of the American agency. The virus can also be transmitted from mother to infant and be fatal to the child.
Two clinical trials in North America
The vaccine is injected in one dose and contains the weakened virus – a standard technique used with other vaccines. Two clinical trials involving several thousand people were conducted in North America. The main side effects are headaches, fatigue, muscle pain and even nausea. In rare cases, more serious reactions have been noted, the FDA said. Two clinical trial participants who received the vaccine required hospitalization.
There is currently no specific treatment to cure the disease once the infection is acquired. Treatment is primarily aimed at relieving fever and pain through common medications such as paracetamol in combination with good hydration and rest. Since there was no preventative treatment, the only way to protect yourself was to avoid a bite.
