Chikungunya Outbreaks Surge Globally, Costing $50 Billion in Health Impact
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is on the rise globally, with nearly 15 million infections reported in Latin America and the Caribbean alone. Recent research highlights the economic burden of $50 billion in healthcare costs and the urgent need for improved public health interventions to combat this debilitating disease. Factors like globalization, urbanization, and climate change contribute to the spread of chikungunya, affecting millions and leading to long-term health complications.
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.