2023-07-18 18:07:00
Climate change is causing new viruses, including dengue fever, Zika, and Chikungunya, to spread to Europe, according to the Robert Koch Institute. Higher temperatures and heavy rainfall are increasing the risk of these diseases, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. The increase in infections in Europe is concerning, as there are currently only a few vaccines approved for tropical diseases. However, pharmaceutical companies, including Takeda and Sanofi, are working on developing and producing vaccines for these viruses.
The Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito are the main carriers of these exotic pathogens. The Asian tiger mosquito first appeared in Germany in 2007 and has been spreading ever since. Experts believe that while large-scale outbreaks of tropical diseases are unlikely in Europe, there could be individual, smaller outbreaks.
Currently, there are vaccines available for dengue fever, with Takeda and Sanofi producing them. Takeda has invested over 300 million euros in its German facility to manufacture and distribute the dengue vaccine globally. Other pharmaceutical companies, such as Moderna, are also researching vaccines for tropical viruses, including Zika and Nipah. However, the development and approval process for vaccines can be lengthy, with clinical trials being conducted to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Tropical medicine specialist Bernhard Fleischer suggests that it doesn’t make sense for people in Germany to get vaccinated against diseases that are not present in the country yet. However, there is a need for prophylactic vaccines that can be offered to people in regions experiencing local outbreaks. Despite concerns about the spread of tropical diseases, experts believe it is unlikely that malaria, the most well-known tropical disease, will come to Europe due to the specific conditions required for its transmission.
As climate change continues to impact the world, it is crucial for pharmaceutical companies and researchers to develop innovative vaccines to combat the spread of these new viruses. Public and private partnerships, as well as global organizations like Gavi and Cepi, play a significant role in funding and supporting these vaccine development projects. With the threat of new viruses on the rise, it is essential to prioritize public health and take proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations.]
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