The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday (20.04) approved a simplified version of an oral vaccine against cholera. The vaccine should make it possible to increase the total production of these serums in response to the explosion in the number of cases worldwide.

The Euvichol-S vaccine is a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus, with fewer components, which should allow faster production of larger volumes, the WHO said in a press release quoted by Notícias ao Minuto.

The vaccine is produced by the South Korean group EuBiologics, whose Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus vaccines have already been approved by the WHO.

According to the organization, the new vaccine has an efficacy rate similar to more complex formulations.

"The new vaccine is the third product from the same family of cholera vaccines on our prequalification list," said the director of the WHO's regulation and prequalification department, Rogério Gaspar.

Gaspar said he expected "a rapid increase in production and supplies, which many communities facing cholera outbreaks urgently need".

Cholera, which is contracted by bacteria usually transmitted through contaminated water or food, causes diarrhea and vomiting and can be dangerous for young children.

Currently, 23 countries are experiencing cholera outbreaks, with the most serious impacts being felt in the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (Notícias ao Minuto)