Dengue Vaccine Likely To Be Rolled Out in 2025, Report Says

With the monsoon season ongoing, cases of dengue fever are expected to spike in the coming months.

According to reports, 32,901 cases have been recorded across the country to date, showing a sharp increase compared to the previous year. The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) has so far recorded 32 deaths, with Kerala bearing the highest number, totalling 22 deaths.

In a recent review meeting hosted by the ministry, states with a high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases were advised to take precautions and remain vigilant.

According to reports, the vaccine for dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is in the final trial phase and is likely to be rolled out next year. The report also mentions that four companies are conducting clinical trials.

What is Dengue? 

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that spreads widely during the monsoon season. Symptoms can vary from asymptomatic infection and mild illness to severe disease. But people who are suffering from this disease will commonly show symptoms like high fever, severe headache, joint pains and rash.

How to prevent Dengue?

While there is no specific treatment for dengue as of now, the World Health Organization (WHO) states to lower the risk of getting dengue "Protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using clothes that cover as much of your body as possible; mosquito nets if sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent;
window screens; mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535); and coils and vaporizers." 

Precautions against mosquito breeding

To prevent mosquito breeding surrounding homes and localities, WHO also emphasized: "Disposing of solid waste properly and removing artificial man-made habitats that can hold water; covering, emptying and cleaning domestic water storage containers on a weekly basis; applying appropriate insecticides to outdoor water storage containers.”