Sri Lanka Reviews Qdenga Dengue Vaccine as Dengue Cases Rise Above 76,000

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has appointed an expert committee to evaluate whether the Qdenga dengue vaccine is suitable for use in Sri Lanka amid a continued rise in dengue cases across the country.

NMRA Chairman Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that an application has been submitted seeking registration of the vaccine in Sri Lanka.

The Qdenga vaccine, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, recently received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India, becoming the first dengue vaccine approved for use in India.

Details About Qdenga Dengue Vaccine

The Qdenga dengue vaccine is administered through a subcutaneous injection, with two doses of 0.5 millilitres each required according to the recommended schedule.

Indian media reports stated that the second dose should be administered three months after the first dose.

The vaccine is recommended for individuals between 4 and 60 years of age.

Production of the Qdenga vaccine began in 2022 following approval from the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the manufacturer, the vaccine has been approved in 43 countries, with more than 32 million doses distributed worldwide.

Dengue Situation Worsens in Sri Lanka

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s dengue situation continues to remain a major health concern, with the dengue death toll increasing to 58.

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Dr. Kapila Kannangara said that 721 dengue patients were reported yesterday alone.

The total number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year has increased to 76,044.

The highest number of dengue infections continues to be recorded from the districts of:

• Gampaha
• Colombo
• Galle
• Matara
• Kandy
• Kegalle

Health authorities continue to urge the public to take preventive measures by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and seeking early medical attention for dengue symptoms.

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