Dengue Vaccine Could Be Approved in Mexico

For the past 20 years Sanofi Pastuer Pharmaceutical has been working on a Dengue vaccine, which showed a 56% effectiveness rate in a Phase III study.

Sanofi Pasteur is the vaccines division of the multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company in the world devoted entirely to vaccines.

News about the recent study was revealed at the “Vaccinate to Provide Opportunity” summit in Puerto Vallarta on August 30, 2014. A full report on the vaccine work will be released later this year once Phase III studies in Latin America have been completed.

Once Phase III testing is completed this year, Sanofi Pasteur Pharmaceuticals states they will apply for drug usage in Mexico with the Mexican government.

Dengue is a threat to nearly half of the world’s population, and Mexico is one of the most affected countries.

Puerto Vallarta leads in the cases of new Dengue fever cases reported in the State of Jalisco each year.

Some preventative steps can be taken to reduce your risk.

The best way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, like artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Outdoors, clean water containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes or cover water storage barrels. Look for standing water indoors such as in vases with fresh flowers and clean at least once a week.

The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use repellent on your skin while indoors or out. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Also, make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. If available, use air-conditioning.

If someone in your house is ill with dengue, take extra precautions to prevent mosquitoes from biting the patient and going on to bite others in the household. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if possible, eliminate mosquitoes you find indoors and wear repellent!