Daily Current Affairs : 17-November-2023

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States granted approval to the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya, marking a significant breakthrough in global healthcare.

Key Details:
  • Developed by European vaccine manufacturer Valneva, the vaccine will be available under the brand Ixchiq.
  • Approved for individuals aged 18 and above, especially those at an increased risk of chikungunya exposure.
  • Accelerated Approval pathway utilized, allowing FDA clearance for serious conditions based on evidence of clinical benefit.
  • Approval to expedite vaccine distribution in chikungunya-prevalent countries like Brazil, Paraguay, India, and parts of Western Africa.
  • India recorded 93,455 suspected chikungunya cases until September 2023, emphasizing the need for effective preventive measures.
About Chikungunya:

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), leading to fever and severe joint pain.

  • Discovered in 1952 during an outbreak in southern Tanzania.
  • An RNA virus belonging to the alphavirus genus, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
  • The name “chikungunya” originates from the Kimakonde language, describing the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain.
  • Prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with sporadic outbreaks in other regions.
Treatment and Prevention:
  • No cure; current approach focuses on symptomatic relief using analgesics, antipyretics, rest, and adequate fluids.
  • Prevention includes public health outreach, civic maintenance, and individual measures like medicated mosquito nets and eliminating water stagnation to prevent mosquito breeding.
About the Vaccine (Ixchiq):
  • Administered as a single dose via injection into the muscle.
  • Contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus, eliciting immune response.
  • Potential side effects include headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, and tenderness at the injection site.
  • Mimics symptoms of the disease, providing immunity without causing the actual illness.
Important Points:
  • World’s First Chikungunya Vaccine Approval:
    • FDA approval for the Ixchiq vaccine developed by Valneva.
    • Significance in global healthcare as a milestone achievement.
  • Key Details:
    • Developed by Valneva, available as Ixchiq for individuals aged 18 and above.
    • Accelerated Approval pathway utilized for serious conditions, expediting distribution.
    • Focus on chikungunya-prevalent countries like Brazil, Paraguay, India, and parts of Western Africa.
    • India reports 93,455 suspected chikungunya cases until September 2023, emphasizing urgency.
  • About Chikungunya:
    • Mosquito-borne viral disease causing fever and severe joint pain.
    • Discovered in 1952 during a southern Tanzania outbreak.
    • RNA virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
    • “Chikungunya” derived from the Kimakonde language, describing sufferers’ stooped appearance.
    • Prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with sporadic outbreaks in other regions.
  • Treatment and Prevention:
    • No cure; symptomatic relief using analgesics, antipyretics, rest, and fluids.
    • Prevention includes public health outreach, civic maintenance, and individual measures like mosquito nets.
  • About the Vaccine (Ixchiq):
    • Single-dose injection into the muscle containing a live, weakened chikungunya virus.
    • Mimics disease symptoms, providing immunity without causing the illness.
    • Potential side effects include headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, and injection site tenderness.
Why In News

Recently, marking a significant milestone in global health, the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya was granted approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., offering new hope in the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases.

MCQs about Ixchiq: FDA Approval Signals Breakthrough in Chikungunya Battle

  1. What is Ixchiq?
    A. A new mosquito species
    B. The first chikungunya vaccine
    C. A novel antiviral drug
    D. A diagnostic test for chikungunya
    Correct Answer: B. The first chikungunya vaccine
    Explanation: Ixchiq is the world’s first chikungunya vaccine developed by Valneva.
  2. In which countries is the chikungunya vaccine expected to be fast-tracked for distribution?
    A. China, Russia, and Japan
    B. Brazil, Paraguay, India, and parts of Western Africa
    C. Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia
    D. Europe, USA, and Canada
    Correct Answer: B. Brazil, Paraguay, India, and parts of Western Africa
    Explanation: The approval will expedite the vaccine’s rollout in chikungunya-prevalent countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, India, and parts of Western Africa.
  3. How is chikungunya transmitted to humans?
    A. Through contaminated water
    B. Airborne transmission
    C. By the bites of infected mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus)
    D. Direct human-to-human contact
    Correct Answer: C. By the bites of infected mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus)
    Explanation: Chikungunya is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
  4. What are some potential side effects of the Ixchiq vaccine?
    A. Vision impairment and dizziness
    B. Skin rash and allergic reactions
    C. Headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, and injection site tenderness
    D. Digestive issues and respiratory problems
    Correct Answer: C. Headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, and injection site tenderness
    Explanation: Potential side effects of the Ixchiq vaccine include headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, nausea, and tenderness at the injection site.

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