Chikungunya Vaccine

Introducing Ixchiq: The Chikungunya Vaccine

Ixchiq, the newly developed vaccine against Chikungunya, is a major step forward in the fight against this virus. Approved in several countries and now available across our clinics, Ixchiq has effectively stimulated immunity against Chikungunya, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the illness. With a single-dose regimen, Ixchiq is both convenient and highly effective, making it an excellent option for those planning to travel to affected regions. Protection with the vaccine should last around 2 years

As Of November 2024 Summit Health will carry the Chikungunya vaccine at all of our travel clinics

What Causes Chikungunya?

The Chikungunya viral infection is caused by an Alphavirus called the chikungunya virus. Two species of mosquitoes can become infected with the virus, including the Aedes albopictus species and the Aedes aegypti species. The virus is not transmitted directly between people, but when an infected person is bitten by a mosquito that is not infected with the virus, the infection can spread to another person when that mosquito bites an uninfected individual. Once infected, the virus will be present in the patient’s blood for up to one week (seven days) – this means that, even after the symptoms of the infection has cleared up, the patient will still be able to transmit the virus to a mosquito should they be bitten.

Who Should Consider The Ixchiq Vaccine?

Ixchiq is recommended for travellers planning to visit areas where Chikungunya is known to be endemic or where outbreaks have been reported. Popular destinations for vacationers and business travellers in the Caribbean, South America, and Asia all have a history of Chikungunya transmission.

If you are in any of the following categories, Ixchiq may be right for you:

• Frequent travellers to tropical regions: Those visiting areas with known Chikungunya cases.
• Adventure travellers and outdoor enthusiasts: Those spending extended time outdoors or in rural areas.
• Older adults and those with preexisting medical conditions: Chikungunya can have more severe effects on these groups, making preventative measures especially important.

Our travel health experts are here to discuss your travel itinerary and health profile to determine if Ixchiq is a good fit for you.

Please note that Ixchiq is available only to adults aged 18 years and older. It is not recommended for pregnant women or immunosuppressed patients. If you fall into these categories, our travel health specialists can advise on alternative precautions to keep you safe.

Can Chikungunya Cause Death?

Most symptoms caused by Chikungunya usually only lasts for around two to three days. Some symptoms, such as joint pain and tenderness, may last for a few months and not clear with the other symptoms. There are, however, some rare cases where complications may develop that can become fatal when not treated promptly.

Possible complications that may be caused by the Chikungunya virus include neurological imbalances, myocarditis, jaundice, and bullous lesions that may be severe. Additionally, the kidneys may also be affected by the virus, which may lead to the development of an acute renal disease. Liver damage may also occur in some patients. Additionally, there have also been cases where the eyes were affected, leading to eye diseases like retinitis and uveitis. Seizures may also occur in patients who contract the Chikungunya virus, but this is a very rare complication of the disease.

Another rare complication that patients need to be wary of is meningoencephalitis, as explained by a review paper published in the Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. Even though rare, patients should be educated on the symptoms that may indicate this complication and act promptly to reduce the risk of fatal complications caused by the inflammation of their meninges and their brain.

How Is Chikungunya Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of this viral infection is an important step for patients since the symptoms associated with Chikungunya is similar to symptoms of many other mosquito-borne infectious diseases, such as dengue fever. Treatments for these conditions often defer, which is why a physician will need to determine whether the patient has contracted this particular infectious disease prior to advising on an appropriate treatment plan.

The physician will start with a physical examination and by asking the patient about the symptoms they are experiencing. Other data will also be collected, such as when and where the patient was bitten by a mosquito, what country they have travelled to, and additional information that could help the physician determine if the patient was at risk for Chikungunya, or rather another type of mosquito-borne infection.

The physical examination, along with questions about the symptoms and where the individual has recently travelled to, cannot be used alone to diagnose this disease. Apart from these steps, the physician will also need to request laboratory tests to determine if the Chikungunya virus is present in the patient’s bloodstream.

Blood samples will be used to determine if antibodies against the Chikungunya virus is present in the patient’s body. This would signal the presence of the viral infection. The antibodies will be present in the patient’s body for up to two months after they have contracted the disease. An ELISA test, also known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, is currently the most preferred option for testing and diagnosing the disease.

Where Is Chikungunya A Risk?

Prior to the 2013 outbreak of the Chikungunya in the Americas, the virus was only prevalent in a small number of countries. In particular, individuals residing or planning to travel to certain regions of Africa were considered to be at the highest risk. Regions such as Gabon, Comoros, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Madagascar, Mayotte, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Guinea were considered to be high-risk regions for the viral infection.

Apart from Africa, several other countries have also reported outbreaks of this disease. These include Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.

Chikungunya is not prevalent throughout the entire Americas at the moment, but there are certain areas where people should be wary. In particular, areas such as Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, and Paraguay are considered the high-risk areas in the Americas.

How To Schedule Your Ixchiq Vaccination

We are excited to offer Ixchiq as a way to help travellers stay healthy and confident on their journeys. To learn more, book a travel consultation with one of our travel health specialists at cliniquevoyageur.ca/schedule-online. Our specialists will discuss your travel itinerary and health needs during the consultation to determine if the Ixchiq vaccine is recommended for your upcoming trip.

Whether it’s a family vacation or an international business trip, protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses is a critical step toward a safe, enjoyable journey.

                                                                   Travel Smart, Travel Safe: Protect Yourself with Ixchiq!