Bavarian Nordic Submits Chikungunya Vaccine for Approval in Europe
Bavarian Nordic has submitted its chikungunya vaccine for approval in Europe, following a similar application in the US. This strategic move aims to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne viral disease and improve global health initiatives. Stay tuned for updates on the potential approval in the first half of 2025.
Rise of Invasive Mosquito Species Linked to Dengue Fever Cases in Europe
The rise in dengue fever cases in Europe is linked to the presence of the invasive tiger mosquito, facilitated by climate change. Authorities warn of the risk of outbreaks and advise preventive measures like eliminating stagnant water and using mosquito repellent. With the spread of diseases like dengue fever and West Nile virus, it is crucial for individuals to protect against mosquito bites in affected regions.
EMA Recommends Valneva’s Chikungunya Vaccine for Use in Europe
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended Valneva’s single-dose chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, as the first preventive shot against the disease in Europe. With no approved drugs for chikungunya, the vaccine’s approval could be crucial in combating its spread in the region, especially with the increasing risks associated with climate change and global travel.
Dengue Fever Spreading Across South America
Dengue fever is spreading rapidly in South America, with Brazil alone recording over 1.5 million cases and 390 deaths this year. The disease is overwhelming hospitals and prompting fumigation efforts in major cities. Epidemiologists attribute the rise in cases to global temperature increases, warning that the crisis could spread to the US and Europe as well.
UMass Amherst Researcher Leading Project to Determine Mosquito Age for Improved Pesticide Strategies and Disease Control
UMass Amherst researcher, Lili He, leads a project to determine the age of mosquitoes to improve pesticide strategies and combat mosquito-borne diseases. The $1.71 million NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel approach to age-grade mosquitoes, addressing the current lack of accurate and cost-effective methods. The multidisciplinary team includes experts in analytical development, mosquito biology, biochemistry, field studies, and machine learning modeling, with the ultimate goal of developing a reliable method for age-grading mosquitoes to assess disease risk and facilitate more effective mosquito-control strategies.