Ministry of Health calls for incorporation of the 1st vaccine against chikungunya to SUS

Single dose, the vaccine is recombinant attenuated, ie contains weakened living microorganisms to stimulate the immune system without causing the disease. The immunizer is allowed to be applied to the population over 18 years and is contraindicated only for pregnant women, immunodeficient or immunosuppressed people.

More than 68 thousand cases

Chikungunya is transmitted by the infected Aedes aegypti mosquito bite – the same ones that transmit dengue and zika. The virus was identified in Brazil in 2014 and currently all states have confirmed cases. Until April 14 this year, the country added 68.1 thousand illness, with 56 deaths.

The main symptoms are sudden onset fever (above 38.5 ° C) and intense pain in the feet and hands joints – fingers, ankles and fists. The disease can also cause headache, muscle pain and red spots on the skin, and aggravate pre -existing diseases.

“Chikungunya is a disease that has been growing in Brazil over the years. The fact that there is a vaccine that is safe and effective brings encouragement to society. From the registration by Anvisa, the Ministry of Health begins the steps to incorporate the vaccine in SUS,” said Ministry Health and Environment Secretary Mariângela Simão.