In a revolutionary medical breakthrough, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently greenlighted the world’s maiden Chikungunya vaccine. This pioneering vaccine, dubbed Ixchiq, was developed by Valneva, a leading European vaccine manufacturer. The introduction of Ixchiq represents a substantial stride towards tackling the challenging Chikungunya virus (CHIKV).
Ixchiq: Unveiling A Novel Vaccine
The Ixchiq vaccine is administered as a one-time injection into the muscle. Containing a living yet attenuated version of the Chikungunya virus, it may lead to symptoms similar to those seen in the disease. It has been approved for use in adults who are at least 18 years old or those at an elevated risk of contracting the virus.
An Overview of Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites, first identified amidst an outbreak in Southern Tanzania in 1952. The disease manifests as a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus and belongs to the alphavirus genus under the family Togaviridae.
Symptoms Associated with Chikungunya
The primary symptoms of Chikungunya involve severe joint pain and fever, often debilitating and varying in length. Diseases like Dengue and Zika exhibit similar symptoms to Chikungunya, leading to possible misdiagnosis. The term “chikungunya” originates from the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted,” which describes the stooped posture due to extreme joint pain.
How Chikungunya Spreads
Chikungunya is primarily spread to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These species are also known to transmit other mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue. They are active during daylight, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Prevalence of Chikungunya
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Chikungunya is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with sporadic outbreaks reported in other regions.
Treatment and Prevention of Chikungunya
At present, no cure exists for Chikungunya, and treatment primarily aims at relieving symptoms. This involves the use of analgesics and antipyretics, rest, and ample fluid intake. Prevention strategies revolve around controlling mosquitoes, including public health outreach, civic maintenance, use of medicated mosquito nets, and eliminating water stagnation to prevent mosquito breeding.
Indian Government’s Response to Chikungunya
To tackle vector-borne diseases, including Chikungunya, the Indian government initiated the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). The program encompasses the prevention and control of various vector-borne diseases like Malaria, Lymphatic Filariasis, Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis.
Related Examination Questions
To make the information more relatable and useful for competitive examination aspirants, the following previously asked questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination have been included. For instance, in 2017, it was asked whether the Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that spreads dengue in tropical regions and if Zika can be sexually transmitted. Both statements were correct. In 2023, a question on the ‘Wolbachia method’, utilized to control viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, appeared.