Mexico approves world's first dengue vaccine

The Dhaka Times Desk Mexico approves world's first dengue vaccine This announcement was made by the Ministry of Health of the country. This deadly mosquito-borne disease kills 22,000 people worldwide every year.

The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi has said that they have worked for 20 years to develop this vaccine named 'Denguvaxia'. In the initial phase, 40,000 people will be vaccinated in Mexico.

The country's Ministry of Health said in a statement, "Through this decision, Mexico will step forward from all countries of the world, including France, to prevent the spread of dengue infection." Every year more than 40 million people are infected with dengue fever in the world. Residents of cities with tropical and subtropical climates are particularly at risk of contracting this disease.

WHO says dengue fever is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions in Latin American and Asian countries. However, most of the victims are children.

Children over 9 years of age and adults under 49 years of age living in dengue-endemic areas can receive this vaccine. Sanofi said the vaccine would be effective against four types of dengue.

It is to be noted that the drug manufacturer said that they have spent more than 160 million US dollars in developing dengue vaccines and treatments. Now they are going to see the face of success.