Chikungunya Vaccine Shows Promising Results

2023-05-19 16:31:49

The ease with which the Chikungunya virus is transmitted has health authorities concerned, however, a Chikungunya vaccine showed “promising results” to prevent this disease.

The Chikungunya virus is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, it is considered part of the “alphavirus” family, known to affect the body with chronic pain that can last for years or that can cause arthritis.

The research was published in the journal Science Transnational Medicinenoted that a clinical trial was carried out with twenty people.

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These 20 people were given the vaccine and went for a booster for 28 days; the researchers then extracted a sample of their antibodies.

According to the sample, the antibodies they had developed seemed to be effective in fighting the virus, however this was confirmed when they inserted these antibodies into laboratory mice.

The result was that the antibodies developed by the twenty people who participated in the trial were effective against Chikungunya and other similar viruses in mice.

The experts assured that it is good news because the neutralizing antibodies of this type of virus and similar ones lasted about 6 months.

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What are the first symptoms of Chikungunya?

The official page of the Argentine government points out that the first symptoms of Chikungunya appear 3 to 7 days after the mosquito bite and are the following:

• Sudden fever greater than 38 degrees
• joint pain
• Dolor muscular
• Headache (headache)
• nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes or irritations

In general, these symptoms do not last long, except for pain in the body and joints that can extend even months later.

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What to do in case of having Chikungunya?

Experts point out that the most important thing is not to self-medicate because although the symptoms can be confused with common ailments such as a cold, self-medicating could affect you more than give you a benefit.

The best thing is that, in case you suspect that you may have Chikungunya, go to your doctor to be checked immediately.

It is important to mention that the OMS ensures that this virus is not transmitted through the air or by physical contact with the person, however, in the case of pregnant women, there is a possibility of transmitting the virus to the baby as long as the woman has been infected a few days before delivery.

That is why pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population to this virus, as are people living with HIV, diabetes, hypertension, chronic renal failure, tuberculosis, etc.

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How to prevent Chinkungunya?

Until there is an official distribution of the Chikungunya vaccine that showed promising resultsthe best and most recommended by the WHO is the following:

• Avoid keeping containers with water in your home, it does not matter if it is inside or in patios and gardens (pots, bottles, buckets, etc.)
• If you need to have water cans for use in your home, cover them properly so that mosquitoes do not enter and cannot reproduce.
• Avoid accumulating garbage at home, make sure that the waste cans are closed as well as the bags in which you put the garbage
• Fix drains that hold standing water
• Use mosquito nets on doors and windows
• Use some insect repellent to reduce the chances of contagion

Now that we tell you about the Chikungunya vaccine that showed promising resultsRemember that you must take extreme precautions, especially in these rainy and hot seasons, so taking the necessary measures may be the key to avoid catching this virus or another such as Zika or dengue.

If you want to learn more about the dangers of being bitten by a mosquito, don’t miss this video.