U.S. Approves First Shot Against Mosquito-Borne Virus

USA – The U.S Food and Drug Administration announced Friday it has approved the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya.

The vaccine, which has been approved for those aged 18 and above and are at high risk of contracting the disease, was developed by Europe’s valneva and will be administered in a single shot.

The mosquito-borne disease causes fever and joint pains and can be fatal to newborns.

The FDA’s approval is expected to speed up the vaccine’s global rollout.

About 440,000 chikungunya cases, including 350 deaths, have been reported as of September.