Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species and primarily during daylight hours. The illness can bring debilitating symptoms, including severe joint pain (can last for months or years following infection), high fever, and rashes.
Chikungunya has become more frequent and widespread, with the virus having been identified in over 110 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Areas of greatest risk for travelers are the Americas, parts of Africa, and southeast Asia with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia having reported the highest number of cases as of June 2024. With no specific treatment available for Chikungunya, the primary focus has been on preventing the disease through mosquito control and protective measures against bites.
However, a major breakthrough has arrived with the introduction of IXCHIQ, the first-ever vaccine for Chikungunya. Let's dive right in!
What is IXCHIQ?
IXCHIQ is a live-attenuated vaccine intended for active immunization in individuals 18 years and older for the prevention of disease caused by the chikungunya virus as a single-dose IM injection. It activates the immune system and generates an immune response against all globally circulating chikungunya virus genotypes.
Who should consider IXCHIQ?
Frequent travelers to chikungunya-endemic areas (cumulative infection risk)
People moving to chikungunya-endemic countries
Long-term travelers to endemic areas or travelers to endemic areas with unplanned itineraries
Short-term travelers to endemic areas with increased risk of exposure to transmitting mosquitos based on planned activities and time of travel
Travelers to endemic areas visiting family and friends
Travel Health consultants will assess the risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that everyone gets the best protection.
Efficacy of IXCHIQ
From an immunogenicity standpoint, IXCHIQ induced a seroresponse in 98.9% of participants 28 days after a single dose in clinical studies. High seroresponse rates were maintained (96.3%) at 180 days post-vaccination.
What to Expect After Vaccination
Most common side effects include injection site reactions (e.g., tenderness, pain), headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain and fever.
Women of child-bearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy for one month following vaccination.
There you have it, a brief run-down on the single-dose vaccine for chikungunya. Feel free to share your thoughts and don't forget to hit the like button if you like what you read. Also, if you're a traveller you may like this short read about Vaxchora for cholera.
Happy reading and safe travels.
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