America approves the world’s first chikungunya vaccine, prepared by French biotech company Valneva

America has approved the world’s first vaccine to prevent chikungunya. The vaccine (Valneva’s Chikungunya vaccine) manufactured by French biotech company Valneva has been named ‘IXCHIQ’.

How does chikungunya virus spread?

Chikungunya virus is mainly spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya has become a global health threat today, with 5 million patients confirmed in the last 15 years.

One dose of the vaccine will be given through injection into the muscles

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the vaccine’s approval, saying the vaccine can be administered to people 18 years of age and older. A single dose of Ixchik can be given through injection into the muscle.

Vaccine tested on 3500 people

The vaccine contains a live weakened form of the chikungunya virus and after receiving the vaccine, a person may develop symptoms similar to those of a chikungunya patient. The company has tested the vaccine on 3500 people in North America. After giving the vaccine, symptoms like headache, fatigue, pain in joints and muscles, fever and nausea were seen in people.

Chikungunya virus is fatal for newborn babies

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said that chikungunya virus infection can cause fatal diseases and long-term health problems. Chikungunya virus is also fatal for newborn babies.