The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a concerning surge in dengue cases across the Americas in February 2024. Mexico was not spared, experiencing a 368% increase in viral infections (transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito), compared to the previous year.
In response, the Vaccine Advisory Committee (CAV) of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) highlighted the potential of a new vaccine – Butantan-DV. This Brazilian-developed, single-dose vaccine demonstrated promising preliminary results in a Phase 3 trial involving participants aged 2 to 59.
The study, titled “Live, Attenuated, Tetravalent Butantan-Dengue Vaccine in Children and Adults,” was conducted by the American National Institute of Health (NIH) and showed a 73% efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic dengue across all age groups, regardless of prior exposure.
While still under development, the Butantan-DV vaccine offers hope for Mexico, considering the significant rise in dengue cases. While Mexico currently has two approved dengue vaccines (Dengvaxia and Qdenga), the arrival of Butantan-DV could further strengthen national efforts to contain the epidemic.
However, Mexican health authorities have not yet commented on the approval process for this new vaccine, leaving its availability timeline uncertain.