Jan 4, 2014

Michiaki Takahashi who developed Chickenpox vaccine died at 85

Michiaki-Takahashi

Dr. Michiaki Takahashi who developed a vaccine for the chicken pox virus died at the age of 85 due to heart failure on 23 December 2013 in Osaka, Japan.
Takahashi developed the vaccine for the chicken pox in 1972, within few years Japan and some other countries had begun vaccination programs. The vaccine did not treat the disease, but it prompted immune systems to produce antibodies.
About Michiaki Takahashi:
• Dr.Takahashi was born in Osaka, Japan and received his medical degree from Osaka University in 1954.
• In 1964 Takahashi had spent several years in studying the measles and polio viruses as research fellowship at Baylor Medical College in Houston, US.
• In 1972 he developed the early version of the chicken pox vaccine in Japan. The Food and Drug Administration, United Stated approved the first chickenpox vaccine in 1995.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a second dose of the vaccine in 2001.
• The C.D.C. recommends that children receive their first dose when they are 12 to 15 months old and a second dose when they are 4 to 6 years old.
• He also served on the board of directors of the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University.
About Chicken Pox:
• Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is a form of herpes.
• Chickenpox is highly contagious disease that is spread via contact with infected person.
 Chickenpox symptoms are rashes in the body, fever, loss of appetite, headache and tiredness.

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