Latest news with #IXCHIQ
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
China Reports More Than 7000 Chikungunya Cases: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Complications And More
More than 7000 cases of chikungunya have been reported in China. Guangdong province in China is the worst-hit area, reporting the maximum number of cases. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) travel alert for all Americans travelling to China. The CDC has also recommended vaccination for travellers visiting an area with a chikungunya outbreak. For the unversed, chikungunya is a viral vector-borne disease. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. The virus doesn't spread from person to person through close contact, however, blood transmission may be possible. What are the symptoms of chikungunya? Chikungunya is characterised by a sudden onset of fever and severe joint pain. The incubation period is typically 3-7 days. High fever Severe joint pain and swelling Muscle pain Headache Fatigue Rash Severe joint pain is one of the distinct symptoms of chikungunya, which may last for weeks, months and even years. Older adults or those with pre-existing conditions are also likely to experience severe joint pain, especially during extreme weather conditions. Other symptoms are generally self-limiting and improve within a week. What are the treatment options for chikungunya? Chikungunya treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medicines and pain killers are usually used to manage fever and joint and muscle pain. Rest and adequate hydration also assist in quick recovery. Is chikungunya fatal? Chikungunya is rarely fatal. However, the elderly, newborns or individuals with pre-existing health conditions remain at a higher risk of severe complications. Most symptoms are generally self-limiting and last for 2-3 days. The disease is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever, which is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. How to prevent chikungunya Chikungunya prevention involves reducing mosquito exposure and controlling mosquito populations. Effective strategies include: Use insect repellent containing DEET or eucalyptus oil, especially when outdoors Wear long-sleeved clothes and full-length pants to minimise skin exposure Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially in areas where chikungunya is prevalent Eliminate standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out Stay indoors during peak hours when mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. According to the World Health Organisation, the chikungunya virus was first identified in the United Republic of Tanzania in 1952 and subsequently in other countries in Africa and Asia. Urban outbreaks were first recorded in Thailand in 1967 and in India in the 1970s. Currently, there are two chikungunya vaccines available in the United States: IXCHIQ (a live-attenuated vaccine and VIMKUNYA (a virus-like particle vaccine).
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Chikungunya: Everything we know about deadly virus spreading through China
The chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, is rarely fatal but has seen a surge in cases in China after an imported case was detected in Foshan city earlier this month A mosquito-borne virus outbreak has infected more than 7,000 people across at least 13 cities in China, prompting authorities to introduce strict precautions reminiscent of the COVID pandemic - even though the virus cannot be transmitted from person to person. The chikungunya virus, which is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is rarely fatal, has swept rapidly through more than a dozen cities in southern Guangdong province, just north of Hong Kong. Nearly 3,000 cases were reported in the past week alone, according to the BBC. Chikungunya is typically uncommon in China, but infections soared after an imported case was detected in Foshan city on July 8, which has since become the worst-affected area, according to the New York Times. The news comes since reports that the disease could arrive in the UK. In response, authorities in Guangdong have implemented measures similar to those deployed during the COVID pandemic. All infected patients are required to remain in hospital isolation under a mosquito net until they test negative for the virus, according to a translation of Chinese news outlet NF News. Officials are also carrying out door-to-door inspections to ensure stagnant water - where mosquitoes breed - is eliminated. Those who fail to comply can be fined or face criminal charges for "obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases," according to a government flyer translated by the Times, reports the Express. Other measures include the introduction of giant "elephant mosquitoes", whose larvae consume virus-carrying mosquitoes, releasing mosquito-eating fish into local ponds, spraying pesticides and using drones to identify mosquito breeding sites, according to The Times. What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that typically causes symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, rash and swollen joints. While most symptoms resolve within two weeks, the "debilitating" joint pain can persist for months or even years, says the World Health Organisation. This joint pain is considered the hallmark symptom of chikungunya. Without it, infected individuals may be misdiagnosed with dengue or Zika, making it challenging to determine how many people actually have chikungunya. First identified in southern Tanzania in the 1950s, its name derives from a Kimakonde word meaning "that which bends up," describing the contorted posture caused by severe joint pain. How does it spread? Chikungunya can only be transmitted via a mosquito bite. However, individuals with the virus can pass it back to non-infected mosquitoes if bitten, allowing those insects to then infect others. The virus is not contagious between humans. Is there a vaccine? There are two vaccines approved for use in the United States: IXCHIQ (for those 18 and older) and VIMKUNYA (for those 12 and older). The CDC recommends vaccination only for travellers heading to areas with active chikungunya outbreaks. Where is chikungunya most common? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning to U.S. travellers visiting Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines, stating they are at an increased risk. A Level 2 travel alert has also been issued for Foshan city, with the CDC recommending that travellers get vaccinated before their visit. Preventive measures include using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Pregnant women are advised against travelling to affected regions. What's next? Authorities are bracing for more infections after Hong Kong reported its first case - a 12 year old lad - on Monday.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Valneva Announces Lifting of European Medicines Agency's Temporary Restriction on Use of Chikungunya Vaccine IXCHIQ® in Elderly
Saint Herblain (France), July, 11 2025 – Valneva SE (Nasdaq: VALN; Euronext Paris: VLA), a specialty vaccine company, today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will lift the temporary restriction on vaccinating people aged 65 years and above after concluding a thorough review of Valneva's single-dose chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ® by EMA's safety committee (PRAC). The committee initiated its review at the beginning of May following the occurrence of serious side effects mainly in elderly people with several underlying medical conditions. In a press release published today on its website1, EMA underlined that the vaccine is already contraindicated for people with a weakened immune system and concluded that, for people of all ages, IXCHIQ® should be given when there is a significant risk of chikungunya infection and after a careful consideration of the benefits and risks. Additionally, EMA noted that while most serious side effects occurred in older people, IXCHIQ® is effective at triggering the production of antibodies against the chikungunya virus which may be of particular benefit for older people who are at increased risk of severe chikungunya disease. IXCHIQ® was authorised in the European Union in June 20242 and, in March 2025, the European Commission granted a label extension in adolescents 12 years of age and older3. About ChikungunyaChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease spread by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes which causes fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can persist for weeks to years4. In 2004, the disease began to spread quickly, causing large-scale outbreaks around the world. Since the re-emergence of the virus, CHIKV has now been identified in over 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas5. Between 2013 and 2023, more than 3.7 million cases were reported in the Americas6 and the economic impact is considered to be significant. The medical and economic burden is expected to grow with climate change as the mosquito vectors that transmit the disease continue to spread geographically. As such, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted chikungunya as a major public health problem.7 About Valneva SEWe are a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases addressing unmet medical needs. We take a highly specialized and targeted approach, applying our deep expertise across multiple vaccine modalities, focused on providing either first-, best- or only-in-class vaccine have a strong track record, having advanced multiple vaccines from early R&D to approvals, and currently market three proprietary travel from our growing commercial business help fuel the continued advancement of our vaccine pipeline. This includes the only Lyme disease vaccine candidate in advanced clinical development, which is partnered with Pfizer, the world's most clinically advanced tetravalent Shigella vaccine candidate, as well as vaccine candidates against the Zika virus and other global public health threats. More information is available at Media and Investor Relations Contacts Laetitia Bachelot-FontaineVP Global Communications & European Investor RelationsM +33 (0)6 4516 Joshua Drumm, Global Investor RelationsM +001 917 815 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the business of Valneva, including with respect to use and regulatory review of existing products. In addition, even if the actual results or development of Valneva are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments of Valneva may not be sustained in the future. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as 'could,' 'should,' 'may,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'intends,' 'estimates,' 'aims,' 'targets,' or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the current expectations of Valneva as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the expectations of Valneva could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties and delays involved in the development and manufacture of vaccines, unexpected clinical trial results or new adverse events, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, competition in general, currency fluctuations, the impact of the global and European credit crisis, and the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection. Success in preclinical studies or earlier clinical trials may not be indicative of results in future clinical trials. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made in this press release will in fact be realized. Valneva is providing this information as of the date of this press release and disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 1 Ixchiq: temporary restriction on vaccinating people 65 years and older to be lifted | European Medicines Agency (EMA)2 Valneva Receives Marketing Authorization in Europe for the World's First Chikungunya Vaccine, IXCHIQ® - Valneva3 2025_02_28_IXCHIQ_Ado_Extension_CHMP_Positive_Opinion_PR_EN_Final.pdf4 5 PAHO/WHO data: Number of reported cases of chikungunya fever in the Americas (Cumulative Cases 2018-2023 and Cases per year 2013-2017). Last accessed 01 Aug 2023.7 Geographical expansion of cases of dengue and chikungunya beyond the historical areas of transmission in the Region of the Americas ( Attachment 2025_07_11_EMA_IXCHIQ_Restrictions_Lifting_PR_EN_FinalError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
UK vaccine chiefs suspend newly approved jab for over 65s - reports of two deaths and 21 severe reactions
UK vaccine chiefs have suspended a newly approved jab from being given to people aged over 65, after reports of two deaths and 21 severe reactions. The vaccine protects against the potentially fatal Chikungunya virus, which is typically found in the subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, the Pacific Region and increasingly in Europe. Although the virus isn't found in the UK, Britons can become infected while overseas and fall ill when they return home. While the jab, called IXCHIQ, is approved in the UK it has yet to be rolled out, so there are no immediate safety concerns, British regulators said. The suspension follows global reports of 23 serious adverse effects in older people, including two deaths. It followed two fatalities in the French island La Réunion—in the Indian Ocean—where a vaccination campaign is underway following a recent Chikungunya outbreak. One death involved an 84-year-old man who developed encephalitis—a swelling of the brain—after having an adverse reaction to the vaccine. The other was a 77-year-old man living with Parkinson's disease who reportedly began finding swallowing increasingly difficult after the jab. This is believed to have triggered aspiration pneumonia, a serious infection caused by food, saliva and/or vomit entering the lungs rather than the stomach. The European Medicines Agency, who are reviewing the chikungunya vaccine following the reports, has not yet revealed the time between the dead men receiving the jabs and their deaths. There are no changes in the recommendations for vaccination with IXCHIQ for people aged between 18 and 64. The vaccine is currently not approved for use in individuals with a weakened immune system as a result of disease or medical therapy. The decision by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) is a precautionary measure until a further safety review has been concluded. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is working with the vaccine manufacturer Valneva. The majority of people infected with Chikungunya develop a sudden fever and severe pain in multiple joints. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. The virus is spread to humans by bites from infected mosquitoes, but cannot be passed from person-to-person. Symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days, and most patients make a full recovery. However, in some cases the joint pain and arthritis may persist for several months or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. A small number of people may develop a severe version of the disease, which can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Severe symptoms and deaths are rare and usually occur in young babies or elderly people with coexisting health problems. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chikungunya but medications (such as paracetamol) for fever and pain can be used to alleviate these symptoms. There are currently two vaccinations which protect against the virus; IXCHIQ for those aged between 18 and 64 and Vimkunya for those 12 years and older. A recent outbreak in La Réunion has seen over 47,500 cases of the virus, with 12 fatalities. In 2024 there were 112 Chikungunya cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from travellers arriving to or returning to Britain—this was nearly one-and-a-half times the level recorded in the previous year.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UK's MHRA suspends Valneva's chikungunya vaccine for elderly
(Reuters) -UK's medicine regulator said on Monday it has temporarily restricted the use of French vaccine maker Valneva's shot to treat chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, in people aged 65 and above as a precautionary measure. The vaccine, IXCHIQ, was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in February to protect people aged 18 years and above against chikungunya, but is not yet available in the UK market. "The decision to restrict the licence until further review is based on global data which has highlighted 23 cases of serious adverse reactions, including two cases reporting a fatal outcome, in people aged from 62 to 89 years of age who received the vaccine," the regulator said. The adverse events were reported in the French overseas territory of La Reunion, where a chikungunya outbreak was reported earlier this year. MHRA's decision comes after the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May suspended the use of the vaccine in the age group. The French Government was the first to take the step in April.
