Healthy lunches: Michelle Obama's lunch program and now RFKJr.

a lot of junk advertisements in this video, but if you forward to 28 minutes they discuss healthy foods in the schools initiative sponsored by Michelle Obama, that failed due to politics, but also because those who chose the foods didn't understand you have to make the food palatable for the ones eating it (i.e. theoretical knowledge on healthy food, but not cultural knowledge of how to make it taste good, or to introduce food that will be accepted by children raised in a different culture than upper middle class elite women).

Sigh

one does hope that RFK Jr will ask Michelle Obama to help out in this project.

but if they do, they need to include people knowledgeable of the culture: When I worked in the IHS we didn't introduce foods from the fancy elite dietary types, but we taught how to make their favorite foods in a healthy way: Whole wheat for fry bread, less sugar and less salt in the diet, use vegetable oil instead of lard, include more vegetable dishes, include fruit as snacks, etc.

Sleeping sickness in Zimbabwe

 CDC report.

T.b. rhodesiense is endemic in 13 countries.† Since 2011, reported rhodesiense HAT cases have been steadily declining, with only 24 cases reported in 2023...

Between this patient’s presentation in August 2024 and January 2025 three additional cases of rhodesiense HAT were reported to WHO in persons from nonendemic countries who were bitten by a tsetse fly while traveling in the Zambezi Valley.

The Zambezi Valley spans northern Zimbabwe and southern Zambia, where epidemiologic conditions are similar, and the parasite is endemic. These four cases are the first Zambezi Valley–associated cases reported since 2019, although Zambia has experienced human cases in other areas during this period....

BMC 2021 

In the 1980s and 1990s, great strides were taken towards the elimination of tsetse and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) in Zimbabwe. However, advances in recent years have been limited. Previously freed areas have been at risk of reinvasion, and the disease in tsetse-infested areas remains a constraint to food security. article

The patterns of tsetse and AAT distributions in Zimbabwe are shaped by a combination of bioclimatic factors, historical events such as the rinderpest epizootic at the turn of the twentieth century

the rinderpest killed a lot of the wild animals so the flies had nothing to bite; the white settlers kept the wild population down by hunting, and when I lived in Zimbabwe,  there was a fenced off zone to keep animals and flies from migrating south from the Zambesi area, and extensive spraying to control flies was done. PDF.

and extensive and sustained tsetse control that is aimed at progressively eliminating tsetse and trypanosomiasis from the entire country. 

The comprehensive dataset assembled in the atlas will improve the spatial targeting of surveillance and control activities. It will also represent a valuable tool for research, by enabling large-scale geo-spatial analyses....

The tsetse-infested area in Zimbabwe is currently estimated at 30,000 km2, which corresponds to 17% of the 180,000 km2 ecologically suitable area originally infested by tsetse [10]. In particular, tsetse distribution in Zimbabwe has always been restricted to the north, northwest, northeast and southeast of the country with the central highveld being ecologically unsuitable for the fly.

fake cows that smell like cows and attract the flies are one means of control....2001 article BMJ...

the cows were introduced into Zimbabwe in the mid-1980s, when thousands of cattle were infected with nagana, a disease equivalent to sleeping sickness in cattle. Cases of nagana in the country plummeted to almost zero and have remained at this low level for the past five years. A total of 60000 cows are now in use in Zimbabwe...

TED talk about genetically altering cattle to stop the disease

cross posted from my Africa blog

NGO scams

 

Maybe the biggest scam of all time https://t.co/DVl37h3bJ4

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 17, 2025

Even the woke NYT admits covid was probably a lab leak?

A miracle has happened. The NY Times ran an oped acknowledging not only that the covid virus likely originated in a lab, but that government officials and scientists conspired to keep the substantiating evidence secret. The lab leak theory was censored on social media because… pic.twitter.com/QjXVtF46nF

— Jenin Younes (@JeninYounesEsq) March 16, 2025

This serves as a stark reminder that government uses censorship in order to hide its own misdeeds; free speech is necessary to hold the government accountable. That's one of the reasons the framers included the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights

— Jenin Younes (@JeninYounesEsq) March 16, 2025

\

 

This documentary was released on April 7, 2020. It got millions of views but was highly censored. Why?

Tracking Down the Origin of Wuhan Coronavirus | Documentary

As the world is gripped by the ongoing pandemic, many questions remain about the origin of the Chinese Communist… pic.twitter.com/HxoJOqDxj5

— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) February 27, 2025

that alas won't post: you have to watch it on x.

However, this is from 3 years ago:

,,,

this is the latest report from last week, from the UK SUN a tabloid of course.

a reminder:

folic acid Autism and fragile x syndrome

see post below about a folic acid type vitamin used to treat young children with autistic symptoms. There was some speculation about this, mainly if folic acid would help the symptoms of our autistic patients with Fragile X syndrome when I worked with the mentally disabled back in the 1980s: 

But alas there was no proof that the vitamin helped the symptoms, although our fragile X/severe autism patients were adults and had mental retardation.

I should note that not all fragile x syndrome patients are autistic or mentally slow so probably they are not diagnosed as such.

...

So I asked grok about the linkage of fragile x syndrome, a  rare cause of autism, and it's relationship to folic acid.

Grok answered:

 It seems like you're asking about the relationship between Fragile X syndrome, autism, and folic acid. Let me break this down and provide some insight based on current understanding.

Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. This mutation leads to a deficiency in the FMRP protein, which is critical for brain development and function. FXS is the most common single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with about 30-50% of individuals with FXS also meeting the criteria for ASD. Symptoms of FXS can include intellectual disability, developmental delays, anxiety, hyperactivity, and autistic-like behaviors such as social difficulties and repetitive actions.

The link between FXS and autism stems from overlapping neurological impacts, particularly in how the brain processes sensory input and forms connections. However, not all individuals with FXS have autism, and the severity of symptoms varies widely.

Folic Acid Connection

Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation processes, which are critical during fetal development. In the context of Fragile X syndrome, folic acid has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, though the evidence is mixed.

• Historical Context: In the 1980s and 1990s, some researchers hypothesized that high doses of folic acid might help alleviate symptoms of FXS by supporting DNA methylation or compensating for metabolic disruptions caused by the FMR1 mutation. Early studies showed modest improvements in behavior or attention in some children with FXS, but these findings were inconsistent and not universally replicated.
• Current Understanding: More recent research suggests that folic acid does not directly address the core deficits of FXS or its associated autism traits. The FMR1 mutation disrupts protein production rather than folate metabolism, so folic acid supplementation isn’t a cure or a primary treatment. However, folate plays a broader role in neurodevelopment, and deficiencies during pregnancy are linked to increased risks of developmental disorders in general, though not specifically FXS.

Autism and Folic Acid (Broader Context)

For autism unrelated to FXS, studies have explored prenatal folic acid supplementation (typically recommended at 400-800 mcg daily) to reduce ASD risk. Some evidence suggests that adequate folate intake before and during early pregnancy may lower the likelihood of autism in the general population, possibly by supporting neural tube development and gene expression. However, this is not a treatment for existing autism or FXS-related autism.

Summary

• Fragile X and Autism: Strongly linked, with FXS being a leading genetic cause of ASD.
• Folic Acid: Not a proven treatment for FXS or its autism symptoms, though it was once explored with limited success. It remains crucial for general prenatal health.
• Research Status: As of March 12, 2025, no major breakthroughs have established folic acid as a standard therapy for FXS or autism, but studies on nutrition and neurodevelopment continue.

If you’d like, I can search the web or X posts for the latest discussions or studies on this topic—let me know! Alternatively, if you have a more specific question (e.g., about a study, treatment, or personal experience), feel free to clarify.

bird flu conspiracy theories

 A lot of thoughtful people are suggesting there will be a major epidemic to destroy Trumpieboy, along with violence in the streets, assasination attempts, and the collapse of the stock market, and maybe even terrorist attacks blaming Russia

Well, bird flu has been out there for a decade, and now the blog legal insurrection wonders if it was made more virulent by Gain of function research:

Back in 2022, during the early days of the “bird flu” pandemic, I wondered if the H5N1 strain of bird flu was a gain-of-function creation. The reason for it was two-fold. One was the high kill ratio. While a new virus might have a high infection fatality rate, 100% fatality would only likely be achieved if the virus genetics were rearranged to target a host species.

The second reason was that the Chinese were reportedly experimenting with the H5N1 strain. Since 2019, we have all enjoyed the novel coronavirus they generated in their Wuhan labs.

While I may have been right about the gain-of-function (GOF), I was wrong about the laboratory. It turns out this frankenvirus might be a joint American and Dutch creation.

And, as with China, poor biosafety practices may have been a contributing factor.

Proximal Origin of Epidemic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Spread by Migratory Waterfowl” by Nicolas Hulscher et al: LINK.

Abstract We investigate the possible laboratory origins of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13, currently affecting various animal species and causing sporadic human infections. The proximal origins may be the USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) in Athens, Georgia, and the Erasmus medical center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The first detection of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in the Netherlands in 2020 raises concerns about earlier gain-of-function research. Genetic analysis indicates genotype B3.13, emerging in 2024, and links to genotype B1.2, which originated in Georgia in January 2022 after the start of serial passage experiments with H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 in mallard ducks at SEPRL in Athens, Georgia, in April 2021. Genotype B1.2 was found in a bottlenose dolphin in March 2022 in Florida, indicating sudden new adaptations. The NP gene of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b (genotype B3.13) likely originated from avian influenza A virus in mallard ducks. Significant mutations found in recent human cases suggest possible links to serial passage experiments. However, causation has not been established, and further investigation is urgently needed to confirm these findings and to identify all H5N1 laboratory leaks that may have occurred with a focus on mallard ducks and other migratory waterfowl, which have the potential to infect a large number of poultry and livestock facilities around the world. A moratorium on GOF research including serial passage of H5N1 is indicated to prevent a man-made influenza pandemic affecting animals and humans

 

H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 serial passage experiments are currently being conducted in mallard ducks at the USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) in Athens, Georgia since April 2021 [12,13]. A new H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype (B1) was first detected in Georgia in January 2022, with gene reassortments either in PB2 and NP or in PB2, PB1 and NP. This genotype resulted in a sustained wild bird outbreak in Florida and northern Midwestern states, causing a second major wild bird outbreak in Michigan (Figure 1). Bayesian Figure 1: Spatial diffusion of US H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B1.1 and B1.2. Arrows indicate the direction of virus transition as estimated by a Bayesian stochastic search variable selection. The thickness of arrows represents the median Markov jump count/s for all the transitions between geographical location states along phylogenetic branches. The size and intensity of the red circles is proportional to the frequency of detections and number of genotypes found. The temporal formation and extinction of the red circles were superimposed during the surveillance time. The LMRCA (yellow dots) or the location (blue dots) represent the first or second highest mean Markov rewards.

folic acid and autism

uk mail on leukovorin

For later evaluation

Sinovax company going bankrupt

We gave our younger staff the Sinovax because the western vaccines were reserved for elders, and the clotting problem with AZ was higher in the young.

but population studies showed it didn't help much in Indonesia.

and with the kerfuffle about AZ and the mRNA vaccines, there has almost been a silence on the Sinvax problems.

neurological covid storm

wuhan is at it again

 

‘This virus could create a highly extremely threatening new bioweapons agent and pandemic pathogen,’ a molecular biologist said. https://t.co/B9ZxSfykDw pic.twitter.com/bw4j34u532

— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) February 27, 2025

bird flu experiments

 

Daniel Horowitz asks Dr. Peter McCullough

"Do they know something that we don't know that perhaps we should be concerned about this virus?"

full interview below https://t.co/vw5cyNUdlp pic.twitter.com/bEU6Jdb6iN

— DrRay (@DrNoMask) February 26, 2025

,,,,

............

"BREAKING Publication: Proximal Origin of Epidemic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b and Spread by Migratory Waterfowl
Published evidence suggests current outbreak came from a laboratory."

Dr. Peter McCullough

full article below https://t.co/WDIhpJSUvA pic.twitter.com/TH8kP0mYUn

— DrRay (@DrNoMask) January 11, 2025

post covid syndrome

 

YALE article:,,,

 refers to this article:

Immunological and Antigenic Signatures Associated with Chronic Illnesses after COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines have prevented millions of COVID-19 deaths. Yet, a small fraction of the population reports a chronic debilitating condition after COVID-19 vaccination, often referred to as post-vaccination syndrome (PVS).

To explore potential pathobiological features associated with PVS, we conducted a decentralized, cross-sectional study involving 42 PVS participants and 22 healthy controls enrolled in the Yale LISTEN study. Compared with controls, PVS participants exhibited differences in immune profiles, including reduced circulating memory and effector CD4 T cells (type 1 and type 2) and an increase in TNFα+ CD8 T cells. PVS participants also had lower anti-spike antibody titers, primarily due to fewer vaccine doses.

Serological evidence of recent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation was observed more frequently in PVS participants. Further, individuals with PVS exhibited elevated levels of circulating spike protein compared to healthy controls. These findings reveal potential immune differences in individuals with PVS that merit further investigation to better understand this condition and inform future research into diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

We docs see this after mononuclosis (EBV mentioned above), after Myco Pneumonia cases, and maybe Gulf War syndrome is related to this.

2022 article:

Autoimmune post-COVID vaccine syndromes: does the spectrum of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome expand?

I have a similar syndrome after my atypical but complicated dengue infection 19 months ago (hemorrhagic dengue with neurological symptoms)

from this article:

According to the cited definition, a minority of individuals may develop adverse effects, including autoimmune syndromes, after applying a vaccine. The central hypothesis proposed to explain the development of these autoimmune syndromes is molecular mimicry.

According to this hypothesis, the antigen administered with the vaccine, denominated adjuvants (aluminum salts, virosomes, oil-in-water emulsions, immune modulatory complexes, squalene, montanide, lipovant, and xenobiotic adjuvants) entertain structural similarities with self-antigens. Another mechanism is the activation of “innocent bystanders,” leading to autoreactive T cells, polyclonal activation, and epitope spreading; however, the pathogenic mechanisms behind the correlation between vaccines and autoimmune diseases are not yet present fully elucidated ....

The first systematic review of the literature on new-onset autoimmune syndromes after the COVID-19 vaccine was published in December 2021 [23]. In this study, 276 published cases were identified.

The mainstream cases corresponded to Guillain-Barré syndrome (151 patients) followed by vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (93 cases). Less frequent cases, such as autoimmune liver diseases (eight cases), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (seven cases), IgA nephropathy (five), autoimmune polyarthritis (two), rheumatoid arthritis (two), Graves’ disease (four), or systemic lupus erythematosus (three), have been reported as well. Multicenter studies have been carried out to continue informing the scientific community, in addition to informing on the indisputable advantages of vaccines against COVID-19 in groups of patients who presented autoimmune syndromes shortly after applying the first or second dose of the vaccine.

this article discusses Gulf War syndrome and post Covid syndrome similarities.

Inflicting Chronic Damage on the Brain and Other Organs in Gulf War Illness, Long-COVID-19, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Here we first provide a brief description of 3 conditions characterized by persistent long-term symptoms, namely long-COVID-19, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and Gulf War Illness (GWI), followed by a brief overview of the role of HLA in the immune response to foreign antigens. We then discuss our Persistent Antigen (PA) hypothesis and highlight associations between antigen persistence due to HLA-antigen incongruence and chronic health conditions in general and the 3 “long” diseases above in particular.

the Bat lady is finding another bad virus to kill you

 From LegalInsurrection:

New Bat Coronavirus ‘Discovered’ Poses ‘High Risk of Spillover to Humans’

 

Dr. Shi Zhengli announced her team has ‘identified’ a new virus with similar infection pathway as covid pathogen....

 

As a reminder, Shi denied that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was the source of the contagion and minimized the number of bats being studied at the facility. Video demonstrated that the institute had a large number of bats, and proper biosafety protocol was not being followed....

 

The team’s findings were published in Cell, highlighting that it posed a ‘high risk of spillover to humans, either through direct transmission or facilitated by intermediate hosts.’ There is even more concerning news. The new virus behaves more like MERS, with an infection fatality rate of 35%. This contrasts starkly with COVID-19, with a current infection fatality rate of 0.23%.

science direct article here.

my thought? Once the covid virus (especially the omicron varient) went through the population, it is possible that this bioengineered virus could combine with the native virus.

given the biosafety issues, one does wonder if this will soon escape the lab.

And didn't the bat lady change labs?

PRevious post ONE.

this article  from PeopleNews states the good bat doctor has moved to a different laboratory. 

November 4, 2024 - Shi Zhengli, a key figure from the Wuhan Institute of Virology suspected of leaking the COVID-19 virus, has moved south to take a position at a laboratory in Guangzhou.

According to a report by Chinese media outlet The Paper on November 3, Shi Zhengli, a long-time researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has now taken up a position at the Guangzhou Laboratory.

]n October 31, Wuhan University’s official website announced a news item titled “Yan Huan Team Publishes Paper in Nature Proposing Artificially Designed Virus Receptor for the First Time.” The international scientific journal Nature published a paper on October 30 titled “Design of Customized Coronavirus Receptors.” In the opening paragraph introducing the research team, Shi Zhengli’s name (Zheng Li Shi) was clearly listed.

As a co-corresponding author of the paper, Shi Zhengli is now affiliated with both the Guangzhou Laboratory and the Wuhan Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The resume information published on the Guangzhou Laboratory’s website shows that since July 1990, Shi Zhengli has worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. She has held roles as a research intern, assistant researcher, associate researcher, and was promoted to researcher in October 2000.

In May 2024, she transferred to the Guangzhou Laboratory as a researcher. The Guangzhou Laboratory was officially established in May 2021, with its research and clinical campuses located on Guangzhou International Bio Island and Datan Sha Island, respectively. The lab is directed by Zhong Nanshan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Previously, Shi Zhengli conducted research on bat coronaviruses and cross-species infections at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, as well as studies on enhancing virus functionality. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan at the end of 2019, the Wuhan Institute of Virology has faced widespread suspicion of a virus leak that caused the global pandemic. Even after three years of the pandemic, fear lingers, and the virus remains present, while new dangers seem to be lurking. Since the beginning of this year, COVID-19 cases in China have been rising, and "unknown pneumonia prevention drills" have been held frequently across the country, with the reappearance of "Big Whites" (protective-suit-clad officials) triggering memories of fear among citizens. Some experts believe these drills are actually aimed at COVID-19, with “unknown pneumonia” simply being a different name, though they do not rule out that authorities may be aware of a new virus. In July last year, Shi Zhengli, then head of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Center at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, suddenly warned in a paper that another pandemic caused by coronaviruses was "very likely" to occur.

Former Deputy Director of Taiwan’s Health Department Li Longteng commented to The Epoch Times that Shi Zhengli likely knew something and therefore could predict a recurrence. "If they are creating (coronaviruses), there would be no outbreak unless they release them," he said. Qin Peng, a political and economic analyst based in the U.S., believes that the global COVID-19 pandemic was originally suspected to be caused by the CCP’s lab transmission and the CCP’s deliberate inaction, with Shi Zhengli’s warning being merely a light caution and not a solution to the problem.

the Peoples news is

 " People News was founded in 2000 to provide the global Chinese-speaking community with a reliable source of information, free from the Chinese Communist Party's "one voice" propaganda. We are guided by the universal, time-honored values that have shaped humanity for millennia. Our English edition extends this mission, presenting you with a truthful view of the world, covering stories and perspectives often overlooked, distorted, or suppressed in today's media landscape.  

Dengue in Puerto Rico

update: CDC report of last year's dengue outbreak in PuertoRico. 

During 2024, Puerto Rico reported 6,291 dengue cases and surpassed the epidemic threshold, prompting declaration of a local public health emergency. Approximately one half of patients (52.3%) were hospitalized, 264 (4.2%) had severe dengue cases, and 11 (0.2%) persons died. Persons aged 10–19 years accounted for 28.4% of severe cases. Since most cases have few symptoms or might not be sick enough to see a physician.

the rest is about treatment (supportive,, including fluids) and mosquito control, things that have been used for a century.

So is there any treatment for Dengue? No medicines?

2018 article suggests ivermectin might help but it was a poor study and the errors of the paper corrected here. 

(note a recent article reported hundreds of papers were recently removed from publication because of flaws)

this study showed some lab improvements but wasn't conclusive.

https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/72/10/e594/5943555?login=false

problem? Anti virals have to be given early to work, and the vague symptoms might not be enough to see a physician that early.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8544673/

about possible anti viral medicine: problem: Hard to prove they work

here kitty kitty kitty

 From the CDC: some cats caught bird flu. 

Well, that happens. Outdoor cats catch and eat birds, some of whom are infected.

 But these were indoor cats. However someone in their household worked with milk transport or in dairy farms. They refused testing but the family members tested were negative.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection of Indoor Domestic Cats Within Dairy Industry Worker Households — Michigan, May 2024 published February 20, 2025 / 74(5);61–65 Summary What is already known about this topic? Outdoor cats on U.S. dairy farms have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus; infection has not been reported in indoor cats.HPAI A(H5N1) virus was detected in two indoor domestic cats with respiratory and neurologic illness that lived in homes of dairy workers but had no known direct exposure to HPAI A(H5N1)–affected farms. Both dairy workers declined testing; other household members received negative test results for influenza A.

Grok on Dengue vaccine

 so I got a pop up about the new Grok 3 and it said ask them anything. And so I asked about these new vaccines (see below):

does the attenuated Dengue vaccine induce immunological problems Completed DeepSearch 35s Tap to read 78 sources 1. Dengue Fever and the New Dengue Vaccine The dengue vaccine is 80.2% effective in preventing dengue fever from all serotypes and reduces hospitalization by 90.4%. It can be administered to individuals aged 4 to 60 years without the need for a prior immune system test. · The vaccine is safe, and any side effects encountered are generally mild, such as pain at the injection site, headaches and muscle pain, with these side effects usually subsiding within 1-3 days. The dengue virus has 4 serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Typically, dengue fever presents with mild symptoms or may even be asymptomatic. However, in some cases it can lead to severe symptoms, progressing to shock and even death. It is a disease that is difficult to predict whether an individual will experience mild or severe symptoms. The 4 serotypes of the dengue virus circulate and alternate in causing outbreaks, which leads to varying serotypes spreading each year. samitivejhospitals.com Show thinking Researching vaccine basics An attenuated vaccine uses a weakened virus to trigger immunity. I'm curious how this applies to the Dengue vaccine. Searching for "approved dengue vaccines" Dengvaxia and TAK-003 are live attenuated dengue vaccines, fitting the description. I'm exploring if they cause immunological issues. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is a concern with Dengvaxia, especially for those not previously infected. This could worsen subsequent dengue infections, so that's worth noting. ADE is more about how the vaccine interacts with future infections, not directly causing problems. I'm wondering if there are other immunological issues to consider. Browsing www.fda.gov for "side effects" That last search didn't help much. I'm thinking of looking for the package insert to find detailed side effects. Searching for "Dengvaxia side effects" Dengvaxia | European Medicines Agency (EMA) www.ema.europa.eu Dengvaxia: Basics, Side Effects & Reviews www.goodrx.com Dengue vaccine - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Dengvaxia Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term www.drugs.com Dengvaxia Uses, Side Effects & Warnings www.drugs.com Common side effects of Dengvaxia include headache, pain at the injection site, and muscle pain Dengvaxia EMA. There's a risk of severe dengue in those not previously infected, due to ADE, which can worsen future infections Dengvaxia CDC. The vaccine itself doesn't inherently cause immunological problems, but ADE can occur in certain groups. I'm considering if this counts as an induced issue. For those previously infected, Dengvaxia seems beneficial, not problematic. Let's see how this fits the question's focus. The vaccine induces antibodies that can enhance virus infection in future cases, leading to severe disease. I'm thinking this counts as an immunological problem. The question's wording is ambiguous, but "induce" suggests causing issues, including ADE in specific scenarios. Let's explore if there are direct immune disorders too. Searching for "autoimmune side effects of dengue vaccine" Autoimmunity in dengue pathogenesis - PubMed pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Autoimmunity in dengue pathogenesis - ScienceDirect www.sciencedirect.com About a Dengue Vaccine | Dengue | CDC www.cdc.gov Dengue tetravalent vaccine, live (subcutaneous route) - Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org Dengue Fever and the New Dengue Vaccine www.samitivejhospitals.com Studies suggest dengue infection can lead to autoimmune responses, but I'm not finding direct links to the vaccine causing these. Investigating autoimmune links Complete 78 web pages Key Points Yes, the attenuated dengue vaccine can cause immunological problems, especially antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in some people. ADE can make dengue more severe if the person gets infected after vaccination and wasn't previously exposed to dengue. This risk is mainly with vaccines like Dengvaxia, but may vary by vaccine type. Overview The attenuated dengue vaccine, such as Dengvaxia, is designed to protect against dengue by using a weakened form of the virus. However, it can lead to immunological issues, particularly in people who haven't had dengue before. This is due to a process called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where the vaccine might make a future dengue infection worse instead of better. This is surprising because vaccines are typically expected to only protect, not potentially harm in certain cases. It's important to know your dengue exposure history before getting vaccinated, as it affects the safety and effectiveness. Details for Consideration Who Is Affected? The risk of ADE is higher in individuals who were not previously infected with dengue and receive the vaccine, then later get infected. For those already exposed to dengue, the vaccine is generally safe and effective. What Is ADE? ADE happens when antibodies from the vaccine help the virus enter cells more easily, potentially leading to more severe disease if the person gets dengue later. This is a known concern with live attenuated dengue vaccines. Other Vaccines: Another attenuated vaccine, TAK-003, shows promise with fewer ADE issues, but more research is needed to confirm this. The specific vaccine matters for safety. Comprehensive Analysis of Attenuated Dengue Vaccine and Immunological Impacts This section provides a detailed examination of the attenuated dengue vaccine, focusing on its potential to induce immunological problems, with a particular emphasis on antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and other related concerns. The analysis is grounded in extensive web-based research, including clinical trial data, regulatory approvals, and scientific literature, to ensure a thorough understanding for healthcare professionals, researchers, and informed laypersons. Background on Attenuated Dengue Vaccines Attenuated dengue vaccines use live, weakened forms of the dengue virus to stimulate an immune response without causing the full disease. Notable examples include Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) by Sanofi Pasteur and TAK-003 by Takeda. Dengvaxia, a live recombinant tetravalent vaccine, was the first licensed dengue vaccine, approved in various countries since 2015, while TAK-003, also live-attenuated, received approval in the European Union in 2022 and other regions like Indonesia (Takeda's QDENGA Approval). These vaccines aim to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4), which is crucial given the global burden of dengue, affecting an estimated 390 million people annually (Dengue Vaccines Update). Immunological Problems: Focus on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) One significant immunological problem associated with attenuated dengue vaccines is ADE, a phenomenon where non-neutralizing or sub-neutralizing antibodies facilitate viral entry into cells via Fcγ receptors, potentially increasing viral replication and disease severity. This is particularly noted with Dengvaxia. Research indicates that Dengvaxia can sensitize dengue-naïve recipients to severe dengue upon subsequent natural infection, leading to restricted FDA approval in 2019 for use only in individuals with prior laboratory-confirmed dengue infection (FDA Dengvaxia Approval). This restriction arose from concerns that vaccination without prior exposure could worsen outcomes, as seen in the Philippines in 2017, where over 733,000 children were vaccinated regardless of serostatus, leading to controversy due to increased severe dengue cases (Dengue Vaccine Wikipedia). ADE is linked to the vaccine eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against the pre-membrane (prM) and fusion loop epitope (FLE) of DENV, which are not fully neutralizing and can enhance infection in later exposures (Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Challenge). This risk is higher in baseline seronegative individuals, with studies showing increased hospitalization rates for dengue type 3 among vaccinated seronegative participants in some trials (New Dengue Vaccine Efficacy). Comparative Analysis: Dengvaxia vs. TAK-003 While Dengvaxia has clear ADE concerns, TAK-003 appears to have a different safety profile. Clinical trials, such as the phase 3 efficacy study (NCT02747927), suggest TAK-003 is efficacious against symptomatic dengue over three years, with no significant ADE issues reported in the literature reviewed (Three-Year Efficacy TAK-003). However, the general concern about ADE with live attenuated vaccines remains, and long-term data are still being evaluated. TAK-003's approval in Indonesia without pre-vaccination testing suggests a broader application, but U.S. approval was withdrawn in 2023 due to data collection disagreements with the FDA, indicating ongoing scrutiny (Takeda Withdrawal BLA). Other Potential Immunological Issues Beyond ADE, the survey of side effects for Dengvaxia includes common reactions like headache, injection site pain, and fever, with rare severe allergic reactions reported (Dengvaxia Side Effects). There is no strong evidence from the searches linking attenuated dengue vaccines directly to autoimmune disorders, despite dengue infection itself being associated with autoimmune features in case reports (Autoimmune Features Dengue). General vaccine safety literature suggests that while vaccines can theoretically trigger autoimmune diseases, epidemiological studies do not support this for systemic autoimmune diseases, and no specific cases were found for dengue vaccines (Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases). Clinical Implications and Recommendations The immunological problems, particularly ADE, necessitate careful screening for prior dengue exposure before vaccination with vaccines like Dengvaxia. The CDC recommends Dengvaxia for children aged 9–16 years with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection living in endemic areas, highlighting the importance of serostatus (CDC Dengue Vaccine). For TAK-003, while initial data suggest fewer ADE concerns, ongoing surveillance is crucial, especially given its recent approvals and the need for long-term efficacy and safety data. Summary Table of Vaccine Characteristics and ADE Risk Vaccine Type Approval Status ADE Risk in Seronegative Common Side Effects Dengvaxia Live Recombinant Tetravalent Approved in US, EU, etc. High Headache, injection site pain, fever TAK-003 Live-Attenuated Tetravalent Approved in EU, Indonesia Low (Preliminary Data) Viral upper respiratory infection, etc. This table summarizes key attributes, aiding in understanding the differential immunological risks. Conclusion In conclusion, attenuated dengue vaccines, particularly Dengvaxia, can induce immunological problems, with ADE being the most significant, especially in dengue-naïve individuals. This risk underscores the importance of pre-vaccination screening. TAK-003 shows promise with potentially lower ADE risks, but further research is needed. Healthcare providers should consider individual serostatus and vaccine type to mitigate these immunological challenges. Key Citations Dengvaxia European Medicines Agency Takeda's QDENGA Approval Dengue Vaccines Update FDA Dengvaxia Approval Dengue Vaccine Wikipedia New Dengue Vaccine Efficacy Three-Year Efficacy TAK-003 Takeda Withdrawal BLA Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Challenge Dengvaxia Side Effects Autoimmune Features Dengue Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases CDC Dengue Vaccine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23332423/ Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne viral diseases. With climate change and the convenience of travel, dengue is spreading beyond its usual tropical and subtropical boundaries. Infection with dengue virus (DENV) causes diseases ranging widely in severity, from self-limited dengue fever to life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Vascular leakage, thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhage are the major clinical manifestations associated with severe DENV infection, yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Besides the direct effects of the virus, immunopathogenesis is also involved in the development of dengue disease. Antibody-dependent enhancement increases the efficiency of virus infection and may suppress type I interferon-mediated antiviral responses. Aberrant activation of T cells and overproduction of soluble factors cause an increase in vascular permeability. DENV-induced autoantibodies against endothelial cells, platelets, and coagulatory molecules lead to their abnormal activation or dysfunction. Molecular mimicry between DENV proteins and host proteins may explain the cross-reactivity of DENV-induced autoantibodies. Although no licensed dengue vaccine is yet available, several vaccine candidates are under development. For the development of a safe and effective dengue vaccine, the immunopathogenic complications of dengue disease need to be considered. Key Points Yes, the attenuated dengue vaccine can cause immunological problems, especially antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in some people. ADE can make dengue more severe if the person gets infected after vaccination and wasn't previously exposed to dengue. This risk is mainly with vaccines like Dengvaxia, but may vary by vaccine type. Overview The attenuated dengue vaccine, such as Dengvaxia, is designed to protect against dengue by using a weakened form of the virus. However, it can lead to immunological issues, particularly in people who haven't had dengue before. This is due to a process called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where the vaccine might make a future dengue infection worse instead of better. This is surprising because vaccines are typically expected to only protect, not potentially harm in certain cases. It's important to know your dengue exposure history before getting vaccinated, as it affects the safety and effectiveness. Details for Consideration Who Is Affected? The risk of ADE is higher in individuals who were not previously infected with dengue and receive the vaccine, then later get infected. For those already exposed to dengue, the vaccine is generally safe and effective. What Is ADE? ADE happens when antibodies from the vaccine help the virus enter cells more easily, potentially leading to more severe disease if the person gets dengue later. This is a known concern with live attenuated dengue vaccines. Other Vaccines: Another attenuated vaccine, TAK-003, shows promise with fewer ADE issues, but more research is needed to confirm this. The specific vaccine matters for safety. Comprehensive Analysis of Attenuated Dengue Vaccine and Immunological Impacts This section provides a detailed examination of the attenuated dengue vaccine, focusing on its potential to induce immunological problems, with a particular emphasis on antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and other related concerns. The analysis is grounded in extensive web-based research, including clinical trial data, regulatory approvals, and scientific literature, to ensure a thorough understanding for healthcare professionals, researchers, and informed laypersons. Background on Attenuated Dengue Vaccines Attenuated dengue vaccines use live, weakened forms of the dengue virus to stimulate an immune response without causing the full disease. Notable examples include Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) by Sanofi Pasteur and TAK-003 by Takeda. Dengvaxia, a live recombinant tetravalent vaccine, was the first licensed dengue vaccine, approved in various countries since 2015, while TAK-003, also live-attenuated, received approval in the European Union in 2022 and other regions like Indonesia (Takeda's QDENGA Approval). These vaccines aim to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4), which is crucial given the global burden of dengue, affecting an estimated 390 million people annually (Dengue Vaccines Update). Immunological Problems: Focus on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) One significant immunological problem associated with attenuated dengue vaccines is ADE, a phenomenon where non-neutralizing or sub-neutralizing antibodies facilitate viral entry into cells via Fcγ receptors, potentially increasing viral replication and disease severity. This is particularly noted with Dengvaxia. Research indicates that Dengvaxia can sensitize dengue-naïve recipients to severe dengue upon subsequent natural infection, leading to restricted FDA approval in 2019 for use only in individuals with prior laboratory-confirmed dengue infection (FDA Dengvaxia Approval). This restriction arose from concerns that vaccination without prior exposure could worsen outcomes, as seen in the Philippines in 2017, where over 733,000 children were vaccinated regardless of serostatus, leading to controversy due to increased severe dengue cases (Dengue Vaccine Wikipedia). ADE is linked to the vaccine eliciting cross-reactive antibodies against the pre-membrane (prM) and fusion loop epitope (FLE) of DENV, which are not fully neutralizing and can enhance infection in later exposures (Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Challenge). This risk is higher in baseline seronegative individuals, with studies showing increased hospitalization rates for dengue type 3 among vaccinated seronegative participants in some trials (New Dengue Vaccine Efficacy). Comparative Analysis: Dengvaxia vs. TAK-003 While Dengvaxia has clear ADE concerns, TAK-003 appears to have a different safety profile. Clinical trials, such as the phase 3 efficacy study (NCT02747927), suggest TAK-003 is efficacious against symptomatic dengue over three years, with no significant ADE issues reported in the literature reviewed (Three-Year Efficacy TAK-003). However, the general concern about ADE with live attenuated vaccines remains, and long-term data are still being evaluated. TAK-003's approval in Indonesia without pre-vaccination testing suggests a broader application, but U.S. approval was withdrawn in 2023 due to data collection disagreements with the FDA, indicating ongoing scrutiny (Takeda Withdrawal BLA). Other Potential Immunological Issues Beyond ADE, the survey of side effects for Dengvaxia includes common reactions like headache, injection site pain, and fever, with rare severe allergic reactions reported (Dengvaxia Side Effects). There is no strong evidence from the searches linking attenuated dengue vaccines directly to autoimmune disorders, despite dengue infection itself being associated with autoimmune features in case reports (Autoimmune Features Dengue). General vaccine safety literature suggests that while vaccines can theoretically trigger autoimmune diseases, epidemiological studies do not support this for systemic autoimmune diseases, and no specific cases were found for dengue vaccines (Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases). Clinical Implications and Recommendations The immunological problems, particularly ADE, necessitate careful screening for prior dengue exposure before vaccination with vaccines like Dengvaxia. The CDC recommends Dengvaxia for children aged 9–16 years with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection living in endemic areas, highlighting the importance of serostatus (CDC Dengue Vaccine). For TAK-003, while initial data suggest fewer ADE concerns, ongoing surveillance is crucial, especially given its recent approvals and the need for long-term efficacy and safety data. Summary Table of Vaccine Characteristics and ADE Risk Vaccine Type Approval Status ADE Risk in Seronegative Common Side Effects Dengvaxia Live Recombinant Tetravalent Approved in US, EU, etc. High Headache, injection site pain, fever TAK-003 Live-Attenuated Tetravalent Approved in EU, Indonesia Low (Preliminary Data) Viral upper respiratory infection, etc. This table summarizes key attributes, aiding in understanding the differential immunological risks. Conclusion In conclusion, attenuated dengue vaccines, particularly Dengvaxia, can induce immunological problems, with ADE being the most significant, especially in dengue-naïve individuals. This risk underscores the importance of pre-vaccination screening. TAK-003 shows promise with potentially lower ADE risks, but further research is needed. Healthcare providers should consider individual serostatus and vaccine type to mitigate these immunological challenges. Key Citations Dengvaxia European Medicines Agency Takeda's QDENGA Approval Dengue Vaccines Update FDA Dengvaxia Approval Dengue Vaccine Wikipedia New Dengue Vaccine Efficacy Three-Year Efficacy TAK-003 Takeda Withdrawal BLA Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Challenge Dengvaxia Side Effects Autoimmune Features Dengue Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases CDC Dengue Vaccine