Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Hopes are rising for a dengue vaccine called Qdenga. According to reports, this vaccine could be launched in India by 2026. Let's explain it.

When will the Qdenga vaccine arrive in India?

How Effective Is Dengue Vaccine Qdenga? Amidst the increasing cases of dengue across the world, hopes have increased regarding the dengue vaccine named Qdenga. According to reports, this vaccine can be launched in India by 2026; however, for this, approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and completion of the clinical trials process is necessary. This vaccine has been developed by the Japanese company Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, which can be manufactured in India in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Biological E under the 'Make in India' initiative. Experts believe that this can prove to be an important step, considering the rapidly increasing dengue cases in the country.

Cases are increasing in India.

In fact, dengue cases are steadily increasing in India. According to research published in the journal Bioinformatics, dengue cases increased by approximately 39.4 percent between 2014 and 2023. Cluster outbreaks have also been reported in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Dr. Rashmi Khadapkar of Agilus Diagnostics told NDTV that dengue has become hyperendemic in India, meaning all four virus types are spreading simultaneously. This is why the need for such a vaccine has been long felt.

What is this vaccine?

Qdenga is a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine, which means it is designed to protect against all four major types of dengue virus – DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, and DEN4. According to Dr. Hari Kishan Burugu of Yashoda Hospital, this vaccine differs from the earlier vaccine, Dengvaxia, which was only recommended for people who had previously had dengue.

Approval has been received in these countries.

This vaccine has been approved in more than 40 countries so far, including Europe, the UK, Indonesia, and Brazil. It has also received prequalification from the World Health Organization, demonstrating global confidence in its safety and efficacy. Clinical trials have tested this vaccine on more than 60,000 people worldwide. In India, a Phase 3 trial was conducted on approximately 480 people aged 4 to 60 years, assessing its safety and immune response.

How dangerous is dengue disease?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and a skin rash. In severe cases, it can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.