In a major stride towards combating dengue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new vaccine, TAK-003, developed by Takeda. This marks the second dengue vaccine to receive WHO approval, signaling increased hope for millions living in dengue-endemic regions.
The live-attenuated vaccine, designed for children aged 6-16 in high-risk areas, requires a two-dose schedule with a three-month interval. Its prequalification paves the way for procurement by UN agencies, ensuring wider access to this critical preventive measure.
“This is a significant step in expanding global access to dengue vaccines,” stated Dr. Rogerio Gaspar, WHO Director for Regulation and Prequalification. “We eagerly anticipate more vaccine developers seeking assessment, ensuring these life-saving tools reach all communities in need.”
Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, affects an estimated 100-400 million people annually, with severe cases potentially fatal. The WHO’s Region of the Americas alone reported a staggering 4.5 million cases and 2,300 deaths in 2023, the highest on record.
With climate change and urbanization fueling dengue’s spread, this new vaccine offers renewed hope in the fight against this devastating disease.
Dengue Fever’s Global Reach Expands, Cases Surge in 2023
Dengue fever, now endemic in over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, continues to expand its reach. The Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific are the hardest hit regions, with Asia shouldering 70% of the global burden.
The disease is also making inroads into new territories, emerging in parts of Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South America.
2023 witnessed a record-breaking surge in dengue cases, with the Americas reporting a staggering 4.5 million infections and 2,300 deaths. Asia also grappled with significant outbreaks, particularly in Bangladesh (321,000 cases), Malaysia (111,400 cases), Thailand (150,000 cases), and Vietnam (369,000 cases).
India officially recorded nearly 95,000 dengue cases and 91 deaths. In 2022, the country saw 233,000 cases and 303 deaths.
Dengue cases and deaths in India – 2018 to 2023.
Protect yourself from Dengue fever
Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active during the day, so take precautions to avoid bites:
Cover up: Wear long sleeves and pants.
Sleep under a net: Especially during the day, and use nets treated with insecticide if possible.
Install screens: Keep windows and doors screened.
Use repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535.
Use coils and vaporizers: These can help deter mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Prevent mosquito breeding around your home
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Regularly empty and clean containers like flower pots, buckets, and tires.
Dispose of trash properly: Don’t let garbage pile up, as it can collect water.
Clean gutters: Ensure water flows freely through gutters to prevent pooling.
Use larvicides: If necessary, apply larvicides to standing water that cannot be drained.
If you contract dengue, how to care for yourself:
Rest: Get plenty of sleep.
Hydrate: Drink lots of fluids.
Use acetaminophen: This can help relieve pain and fever.
Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin: These can worsen bleeding tendencies.
Monitor symptoms: Watch for signs of severe dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
