Valneva: impact of chikungunya heavier than estimated (BMJ)

(CercleFinance.com) - Valneva reported on Wednesday the publication in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) of an article highlighting the heavy health and economic impact of the chikungunya virus worldwide.


According to the study, the total economic burden generated by this disease has reached some $2.8bn in direct costs over the last ten years.

Indirect costs are estimated at $47.1bn, with Latin America and the Caribbean the most affected areas.

Beyond this much greater effect than previously estimated, the BMJ article explains that chikungunya could have a significant impact on healthcare systems due to its 'unpredictable and explosive' nature.

Until now, estimates of the economic and health impact of chikungunya have been limited and potentially underestimated, Valneva's Medical Director said.

Due to climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are no longer a seasonal threat and they continue to spread, increasing the risk of epidemics, he adds.

For the record, Valneva currently markets the world's first and only vaccine against chikungunya.

Following this news, Valneva shares gained over 3% on Wednesday morning on the Paris Bourse, pretty much giving them a place on the medals podium in the SBF 120 index.


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