Minister Martha Reyes Promises Dengue Vaccine Manufacturing in Nicaragua
While Minister Martha Reyes assures in Russia that a dengue vaccine will be manufactured in Nicaragua, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) has reported a 42% increase in dengue cases compared to the previous week. Influenza infections also continue to rise.
“We had 3,764 suspected cases of dengue and 64 confirmed cases, with a 42% increase in positive cases compared to the previous week,” states the latest Minsa report.
However, during an interview with RT in St. Petersburg, Russia, the head of Minsa emphasized that Nicaragua is developing vaccines against dengue and influenza at the Mechnikov Institute. The biomedical center also plans to distribute these vaccines to Latin America from its headquarters in Managua.
Regarding dengue, the minister highlighted the importance of a vaccine against this disease, which can be fatal due to its severity.
Importance of Dengue Vaccine
“Having a vaccine that can prevent severe forms is crucial because dengue is caused by different types of viruses. Vaccines may be effective against one type but not the other two. However, reducing the severity of the disease and ensuring better prevention measures are of utmost importance,” declared Reyes.
The minister did not provide a specific timeline for the availability of dengue vaccines. She mentioned that further studies need to be conducted to assess the immune response of individuals, which could take several months. While there are international references, local studies are necessary as not everyone responds the same to new vaccines, she explained.
Increase in Influenza Cases
Minsa also reported that 141 samples were tested for influenza viruses, with 37 cases testing positive.
So far this year, a total of 113 cases of influenza have been registered, which is 3.4 times lower than last year’s count of nearly 800 cases. During this period, over a million Nicaraguans have been vaccinated against influenza.
Reyes specified that medications for influenza are already being distributed in Nicaragua, and efforts are underway to develop vaccines against Covid-19, despite it no longer being classified as a pandemic. “We are already collaborating on the flu vaccine,” she stated.
With the onset of the rainy season, cases of influenza tend to increase. Common symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.
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