Context
World’s first vaccine for chikungunya was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S.
About Ixchiq
- Developed by European vaccine manufacturer Valneva
- Available under the brand Ixchiq
- Approved for administration in people who are 18 years or older, and are at increased risk of exposure to the virus.
About Chikungunya
- A viral infection (CHIKV) – an RNA virus
- Transmission – mosquitoes – Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
- WHO fact sheet – Chikungunya is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Americas; but sporadic outbreaks have been reported in other regions.
- Since 2004, there has been an increase in the frequency and geographical spread of CHIKV outbreaks, attributed in part to viral adaptations that facilitate easier transmission by Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
- Dengue and Zika have similar symptoms to chikungunya
- Symptom – abrupt onset of fever, frequently accompanied by severe joint pain
- Severe symptoms and deaths from chikungunya are rare
- 1st identified – Tanzania (1952)
The name chikungunya derives from a word in the Kimakonde language, meaning “to become contorted”.
Source: The Hindu
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Previous year question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Zika virus disease is spread by the same Aedes species mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue and chikungunya viruses in tropical regions. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Zika can be transmitted through mosquito bites, as well as intrauterine infection, and can be sexually transmitted even if the infected person is asymptomatic, as stated in statement 2.