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The World Health Organisation has approved a new version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics
It’s called Euvichol-S, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is cheaper, and can be made more quickly than the old version.
It’s developed by EuBiologics
The vaccine was shown to be help preventing the diarrheal disease
Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrhea disease caused by a bacteria typically spread via contaminated food or water.
It is mostly seen in areas that have poor sanitation and lack access to clean water.
While most people infected with cholera don't experience symptoms, those with severe cases need quick treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
If left untreated, cholera kills about a quarter to half of people infected.
Since last January, WHO has reported more than 824,000 cholera infections, including 5,900 deaths worldwide, with the highest numbers of cases reported in the Middle East and Africa.
Warming temperatures that allow the cholera bacteria to live longer, have also worsened outbreaks and led to the highest death rates in a decade
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