Takeda & Qdenga: Preventing Dengue

The remarkable discovery of Qdenga, an innovative strategy for treating dengue fever. It addresses the efficacy and effects of Qdenga in reducing dengue cases, which is certain in changing dengue preventive measures.

Qdenga plays an important role in the global fight against infectious diseases, offering a new layer of protection against dengue fever, a major public health challenge worldwide.

In the ongoing battle against dengue fever, the introduction of the Qdenga vaccine marks a significant breakthrough in preventive medicine.

What is Qdenga Dengue Vaccine?

Qdenga is the second dengue vaccine. Qdenga, developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical, is aimed at improving both safety and effectiveness, with a key focus on dengue vaccine safety during its development.

Qdenga addresses all dengue virus serotype, ensuring comprehensive protection. It offers improved outcomes in activating the immune system and protecting against the dengue virus.

It can protect people from dengue fever infection, whether they are uninfected or have already been infected.

Development of Qdenga vaccine

Thorough studies and medical trials were conducted to ensure the Qdenga vaccine's efficacy and safety. Studies have shown an excellent performance of a rate up to 80.9% in preventing dengue fever.

The development and testing of dengue vaccine candidates are critical for this strategy, underlining its importance in dengue prevention and control by addressing all four DENV serotypes.

What is Dengue Fever?

The dengue virus causes dengue fever, an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

​Dengue fever can be caused by one of four viruses, DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3, or DEN 4. Infection with one type of virus only confers immunity to that type, therefore people living in dengue-infested areas may be infected more than once in their lives.

Understanding the significance of dengue disease, particularly the influence of previous or earlier dengue infection, is crucial for effective vaccination.

Normal fever vs Dengue Fever

Dengue fever symptoms can range from minor to severe.

Some common symptoms are:

• High fever up to 40°C 
• Severe headache
• Joint and muscular pain 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Skin rashes
• Mild bleeding, including nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and easy bruising
• Abdominal ache or soreness

How to prevent it?

The main way to prevent Aedes mosquitoes is by reducing their breeding grounds.

Here's what we can do:

• Prevent mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water in containers
• Regularly clean water storage to prevent mosquito breeding
• Use repellents and mosquito nets to avoid bites
• Limit outdoor activities during peak biting times, typically from 5:30 am to 8:00 am and 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Does Qdenga benefit people?

Malaysian health authorities approved the usage of the Takeda Dengue vaccine, Qdenga, highlighting its 80.9% efficacy in preventing hospitalisation among dengue patients. This is important in the prevention of severe dengue cases, including complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. 

This demonstrates Qdenga's broad effectiveness in preventing dengue fever, providing protection against both common symptoms and more serious consequences.

People who are recommended to take Qdenga

The Qdenga vaccine is not mandatory for all individuals. Individuals above 4 years old are really recommended to take this vaccine whether they have been infected before this or never been infected. 

Challenges and Dengue Vaccine Safety Issues

At the moment, only the Qdenga dengue vaccine is used in Malaysia. The Ministry of Health (KKM) approved its use on February 8, 2024, and it is considered safe for anyone aged four and above.

DoctorOnCall is one of the provider of Qdenga vaccination services. You can get this vaccine in four Malaysian states: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Johor Bahru.

Vaccine side effects may differ based on each person's immune system reaction. The Qdenga dengue vaccine may have the following common after effects:

• Swelling around the injection area
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain

All of these side effects are normal and are not harmful to the person, they are simply reactions to the vaccine entering the body. However, if side effects last for a few days after vaccination or worsen, you should see a doctor.

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Qdenga therefore appears as a safer and more trustworthy choice for dengue prevention.

For additional information on dengue fever and the Qdenga immunization, please contact our doctors online.

Click Here To Get The Qdenga Dengue Vaccine!

References

- “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), 23 April 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue . Accessed 16 May 2024. 

- “Dengue Fever and the New Dengue Vaccine.” Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/dengue-fever-and-the-new-dengue-vaccine . Accessed 16 May 2024.

- “Dengue – Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases & Chemotherapy.” Guidelines for Adult Immunisation, https://adultimmunisation.msidc.my/dengue/ . Accessed 17 May 2024.

- “Dengue Vaccine - Singapore.” HealthHub, 10 January 2023, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/dengue%20vaccine . Accessed 17 May 2024.