If used improperly, the vaccine for dengue could actually worsen the disease and lead to serious infections. There is currently only one approved vaccine, which has been licensed in six countries. Dengue has been found in Puerto Rico, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes and can lead to a mild infection. The concern is, if the vaccine fails to fully protect, then there is a risk of making the person sick.
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The researchers analyzed data from dengue vaccine trials involving over 30,000 people in 10 countries. The study found that although the dengue vaccine reduced illness and hospitalizations by up to 30 percent in areas of high transmission, it could also increase the risk of serious illness in areas with low transmission.
Co-lead author Dr. Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer said, “In vaccines, you hope for more than 30 percent success, but it’s the only vaccine available right now to slow dengue. If this vaccine is used correctly, many people could be spared illness and hospitalization from dengue. But we should make sure we only use it in places where our data suggest it will do more good than harm.”
“We should be careful in considering where and how to use this vaccine as there is still uncertainty about its impact,” concluded coauthor Derek Cummings.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
