Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, poses a significant public health challenge in India. With the monsoon season exacerbating the spread, the nation sees a surge in cases annually. However, there is now a promising development on the horizon: India's first dengue vaccine is nearing the end of Phase 3 trials.
Dengue fever manifests with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever, intense headaches, joint and muscle pain, and a potentially dangerous drop in blood platelet levels. In severe instances, the disease can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and even death, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
Creating an effective dengue vaccine has been a long-standing challenge for scientists. The complexity lies in the existence of four distinct dengue virus types. A successful vaccine must provide protection against all four to be truly effective. Some vaccines developed internationally have shown inconsistent results and haven't achieved widespread use.
The Serum Institute of India (SII) is developing India’s first dengue vaccine, named “TetraVax-DV.” This vaccine is engineered to defend against all four dengue virus types. Utilizing a weakened form of the virus, TetraVax-DV aims to stimulate the body’s immune system to combat dengue without causing the illness itself.
Before a vaccine can be approved for public use, it undergoes several trial phases:
Phase 3 is crucial as it demonstrates the vaccine's ability to prevent dengue within the community.
Phase 3 trials for India’s dengue vaccine commenced in 2023, spanning over 20 locations across urban and rural areas. The trial aims to enroll over 10,000 volunteers, encompassing children and adults from diverse backgrounds. Enrollment is nearing completion, with initial results indicating positive outcomes.
India faces a high burden of dengue cases, straining hospitals and causing distress to families. A safe and effective vaccine has the potential to:
Irrespective of the vaccine's progress, preventive measures against dengue remain vital. These include protection against mosquitoes through the use of lotions and full-coverage clothing, ensuring proper drainage, and preventing the breeding of mosquitoes in open water sources.
Source: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec
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