The outbreak of dengue fever in Latin America has reached alarming levels, with over a million cases reported in Brazil alone in just a matter of weeks. The situation has prompted states of emergency in Peru and Puerto Rico, and a significant spike in cases in Argentina.
The spread of dengue is exacerbated by factors such as weak infrastructure in densely populated cities and the effects of climate change, which create ideal breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that transmit the disease. The Pan-American Health Organization has warned that this year may see the highest number of dengue cases ever recorded in the region, with over 3.5 million cases confirmed in the first three months of 2024.
Amidst this crisis, there is a glimmer of hope as researchers in Brazil have announced promising results from a clinical trial of a new dengue vaccine. Unlike existing vaccines that require multiple doses or can only be given to those who have already had the infection, this new vaccine offers strong protection with just a single shot.
The vaccine, developed by scientists at the National Institutes of Health in the United States and licensed for production by Instituto Butantan in Brazil and Merck & Co., uses live weakened forms of all four strains of the dengue virus. Butantan, a major public research institute in São Paulo, plans to submit the vaccine for regulatory approval in Brazil and begin production next year.
However, the vaccine will initially be available only in Brazil, leaving other countries in the region to purchase it from Merck. The demand for a dengue vaccine extends beyond Latin America, as the disease spreads to new regions like Croatia, Italy, and California.
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, can cause severe joint pain and in some cases lead to life-threatening complications. Severe dengue cases require prompt treatment with blood transfusions and fluids to reduce mortality rates, which can be as high as 15% without proper care.
The current outbreak in Brazil is particularly affecting children, with those under 5 years old having the highest mortality rate. The government has initiated a vaccination campaign using the Japanese-made vaccine Qdenga, but the supply is limited and will not contribute to herd immunity.
The cost of dengue in Brazil amounts to at least $1 billion annually, not including the human suffering involved. The complexity of the disease, with four different strains of the virus, poses challenges for vaccine development and effectiveness.
As the dengue outbreak continues to ravage Latin America, the need for effective vaccines and preventive measures becomes more urgent than ever. The new single-shot vaccine offers a ray of hope in the battle against this deadly disease, but challenges remain in ensuring widespread access and protection for vulnerable populations.
