The National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), a premier institute under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is in talks with the West Bengal government to introduce a cholera vaccine ahead of the peak season as a preventive measure.
[adsense:336x280:8701650588]
"We have received a positive vibe from the state government to launch the vaccine in the cholera off-season. Once the funding is available, we will go ahead with the state government's approval," said Shanta Dutta, director-in-charge, NICED.
The researchers wish to apply the preventive step to a particular area, such as in the Sundarbans, to assess the effect and crunch data. Cholera is endemic to Bengal.
[adsense:468x15:2204050025]
"It is an oral vaccine and the production technology was transferred to Shantha Biotechnics in India, from a Vietnamese producer. It has an efficacy of around 55 percent," added Dutta.IANS
