<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Dengue Vaccine:</strong> For those living in tropical countries such as India, most countries in Africa and South America, including Mexico, vector borne diseases (especially with mosquitoes as the vector/medium) are a regular nuisance. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Half of the world's population is living in areas where dengue fever is present. Asian countries are most affected, reporting approximately 70% of approximately 390 million cases reported annually. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine, Qdenga (Takeda), was licensed in the UK in 2023, but was not immediately approved for travellers as they would be out of the observation of the trial researchers. Now, the dengue vaccination is recommended before travel to an endemic country. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lancet journal says that since Qdenga is a new vaccine, its rollout will be monitored by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some people with certain health conditions are more vulnerable. Although most infections are asymptomatic or mild, they progress to severe dengue fever and death occurs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What is worse that despite a lot of research, no vaccine for dengue has been found to be safe for all. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The global march of the dengue virus has been made worse by climate change, and urbanisation has contributed to the spread of the vectors (Aedes mosquitoes), enabling sustained transmission in regions that were previously not affected — such as the UK, for example.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to a <a href="https://ift.tt/YoyEDvF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a> in the Lancet medical journal, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">researchers at the University of Oxford, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, and King’s College Hospital, among others, have collaborated and worked on a vaccine that for this disease.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although the burden of the disease is largely confined to Asia and central or South America, autochthonous spread (originating in the geographical area where the patient lives; locally acquired) has been increasing in central and southern Europe.</span></p> <h2><strong>Why This Dengue Vaccine Is Important</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since no specific treatments exist for dengue virus infection at present, prevention is paramount. That is where the vaccine comes into play.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients with compromised immunity are likely to face complications. In some patients, the T-cell responses drive disease enhancement mediated by a hyper-inflammatory response, causing downstream vascular leakage, bleeding, and organ impairment.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers say that on subsequent infection, the threat of complications and disease enhancement is increased. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At present, there are two live attenuated tetravalent vaccines (containing live pathogens from a bacteria or an 'attenuated' or weakened virus) targeting DENV1-4 (commercial names: Dengvaxia and Qdenga). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dengvaxia showed 60% efficacy. It is now limited to individuals with previous dengue fever, and it is not available in non-endemic countries. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2023, the Qdenga vaccine for dengue had been <a href="https://ift.tt/wKiFV8f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved </a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for individuals more than 4 years of age, and for use according to national recommendations. Owing to its live attenuated nature, the vaccine is contraindicated in those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Qdenga is to be administered as a subcutaneous injection, two doses with three months' interval. It cannot be given to immunocompromised individuals as well as in pregnant and breastfeeding women.</span></p> <h2><strong>So, What Is New In The New Dengue Vaccine?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to Lancet, Qdenga was primarily developed for individuals living in endemic settings (such as tropical countries with prevalence of dengue), regardless of their dengue infection history. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dengue is not endemic in the UK. In 2023, only 634 confirmed and probable dengue cases were reported in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compare that with <a href="https://ift.tt/0sMc1KS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India's 2,89,235 cases</a> in 2023 and 1,86,567 cases reported till October 2024. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now the vaccine has been approved for travellers, especially those going to endemic countries, and only in case they have been previously infected. Repeat infections enhance the possibility of life-threatening complications. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clinicians have been advised to counsel the affected individuals regarding the risk of secondary or severe dengue infection. The vaccine is to be available also on private prescription but the patients need to present early before travel to ensure sufficient time for serological testing (wherever necessary) and for the administration of two doses of Qdenga over three months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers also highlight the fact that dengue vaccination does not negate the need for avoiding insect bites. All suspected adverse reactions need to be reported via the Yellow Card scheme and directly to the manufacturer, Takeda.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The author is a senior independent journalist. </span></em></p>
source https://news.abplive.com/health/uk-announces-dengue-vaccine-for-travellers-rx-only-for-those-with-a-previous-infection-1740788
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