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The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness linked to several serious birth defects, has prompted the both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to issue several travel-related health warnings.
The virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, though new research has shown the condition can also be sexually transmitted.
For most, Zika is a relatively harmless condition. In a minority of cases, however, the virus has caused microcephaly and other devastating neurological defects in unborn babies.
Check back with UPMC HealthBeat to learn more about:
- Zika virus symptoms
- Zika transmission
- Birth defects associated with Zika
- Zika guidelines for pregnant women
- News and updates on the virus
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Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can trigger a host of serious ailments, most notably, Guillain-Barre syndrome, the birth defect microcephaly, and other serious brain anomalies.
Despite this, Zika is typically mild, causing symptoms like joint pain, fever, and rash. In fact, severe illness and/or death resulting from the Zika virus is still rare.
First identified in 1947, just 14 cases of Zika virus were reported before 2007. Since then, health officials have reported a notable spike in the disease worldwide, particularly in South America. Zika's link to birth defects makes it especially worrisome for pregnant women.
With this recent Zika outbreak, you may wonder whether you are at risk and what steps you can take to prevent Zika contraction.
What Is Zika Virus? Is It in the United States?
Zika virus has been around for many years, but mostly along the equator in Africa and Asia. In the past 12 months, the virus has spread rapidly through the Americas. It is transmitted through Aedes species of mosquitoes.
So far, Zika outbreaks are happening in more than 20 countries in South, Central, and North America as far north as Mexico. Caribbean islands have also had outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant should avoid travel to these areas.
Only a small number of Zika virus infections have been diagnosed in the United States, predominantly in people who recently traveled to different countries with outbreaks. In August 2016, the CDC issued a travel warning, advising pregnant women to avoid traveling to a small community north of Miami. Health officials believe the virus may be actively circulating in this area. This is the only domestic travel advisory to date.
The virus isn't transmitted through casual contact with infected individuals the way the flu or a common cold can be. No infected mosquitoes have been found in the continental United States yet, and Pennsylvania isn't home to the Aedes species.
How Does Zika Virus Spread?
People in the United States are growing more concerned about the spread of the Zika virus. For most people, symptoms are mild if they're noticed at all. The virus may cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a nerve disease that can cause paralysis, in a small number of people.
Unless you've been traveling to Mexico or South or Central American countries, there's no need for much alarm yet. Here's what you need to know about the virus.
Zika cannot be contracted through casual contact, or through air, food, or water. Health care providers who care for patients with Zika should use routine, standard precautions. No special isolation or treatment is necessary to prevent transmission.
Updated guidelines from the CDC advise that pregnant women should avoid sexual contact or use condoms with a partner who may be infected, or is at risk for infection based on his travel history, in order to prevent transmission of the Zika virus.
It is important to remember that no locally transmitted cases of Zika have been reported, and there is very little risk of acquiring Zika in Pennsylvania at this time.
To minimize possible exposure and spread, all individuals should:
- Avoid travel to areas where Zika is common, including the Caribbean and Latin America.
- Make sure you have appropriate protection against mosquitos, such as long sleeves, pants, and repellent, if traveling to high-risk areas.
- Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of Zika (fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis) and recently returned from a high-risk area.
For more information on Zika, its prevention, and updated recommendations, visit the CDC’s website.
How Does Zika Affect Pregnancy?
Zika can be transmitted from a mother to her child in the womb.
"Some Zika-infected mothers have delivered babies with abnormally small heads, a condition called
microcephaly. This condition can lead to
developmental delays and other serious health concerns," said
Harold Wiesenfeld, MD, Director, Division of Reproductive Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Research is underway to determine how long a
woman and her fetus may be at risk for Zika during the pregnancy. UPMC is following all guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Allegheny County Health Department. Pregnant women who have a history of travel to affected areas, or have a sexual partner who has traveled to a high-risk area, should contact their personal obstetricians or midwives for advice and testing.
What Are The Symptoms Of Zika Virus?
Symptoms of Zika virus are nonspecific and may include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Most infected individuals will not have these symptoms, but if you have these symptoms and have recently returned from an area that Zika is common, you should seek medical attention, particularly if you are pregnant.
Is Treatment Available for Zika Virus?
Zika falls in the same family as yellow fever and dengue. However, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment available.
To manage symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and take acetaminophen. Avoid aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue is ruled out.
How Can I Prevent Zika Virus Infection?
Although everyone should take precautions when traveling to affected areas, pregnant women should take extra care. If you are pregnant and have recently traveled to an affected country, including Mexico, you should visit your obstetrician to be on the safe side.
When traveling, take
care to avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent and nets, and wear long pants and sleeves.
The mosquito species that carries the virus also lives in areas of the United States, particularly those with warmer climates.
Women who plan to become pregnant should also avoid travel to affected areas.
"If you have been diagnosed with the virus and are pregnant, see your obstetrician right away to evaluate the baby for infection or any problems," Dr. Wiesenfeld advises.
The CDC and researchers around the world, including right here at UPMC, are looking for a possible vaccine as well as ways to attack the mosquito.
UPMC is following federal and international guidelines with regard to screening and testing pregnant women who may have a Zika infection."
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string(4358) "Mosquito bites might just be the most unpleasant part of the summer season — right up there with sunburn.
Aside from dotting your skin in red, itchy spots, mosquitos are the culprits behind some of the world's most notorious infectious diseases, including malaria, West Nile virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Zika.
Peter Veldkamp, MD, infectious disease physician at the UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases, offers tips to help you keep bugs at bay — both at home and abroad.
The Importance of Mosquito Repellent
Insect repellent is the best way to stave off mosquito bites (and, yes, these repellents are safe for use). Repellents that contain a higher percentage of active ingredients offer the highest levels of protection.
- DEET (or diethyltoluamide) is the most common active ingredient in bug sprays. Developed in 1944 by the United States Department of Agriculture, DEET helps repel a variety of biting insects, from mosquitos to fleas to chiggers. The drawback? This popular ingredient can give off a distinctive odor.
- Picaridin is an odorless, non-greasy insect repellent. This synthetic compound was developed by a pharmaceutical company in the 1980s and has been approved for use in the United States since 2005.
You should only use repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. These substances are proven safe, even for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The exception? Insect repellent should not be used on infants younger than 2 months.
Always follow instructions when applying insect repellents — and don't forget to carry a bottle with you throughout the day. If you're
wearing sunscreen,
always apply sunscreen first and
bug spray second to ensure the effectiveness of these products.
Beyond Bug Spray: How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Cover Up for Mosquito Protection
If weather permits, long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks can help keep mosquitos at bay. Keep in mind, mosquitos may be able to bite through thin fabrics.
For an extra layer of mosquito protection, you can use a substance called permethrin to treat your clothing and gear — but do not apply this product directly to your skin or to bed nets.
Head Inside
When in doubt, stay inside. Turn up the A/C and close windows and doors, if you can. In some locales, it may be necessary to sleep beneath a mosquito net.
Mosquito netting is simply a fine mesh that blocks mosquitos from penetrating, without hindering your vision or air flow. Many mosquito nets hang like a tent over beds, but this netting is also used to cover sleeping bags, windows, and doors. Mosquito nets are most frequently used in countries where malaria and other insect-borne illnesses are common.
Protect Your Home from Mosquitos
Mosquitos need just a small amount of water to breed. So head to your backyard and tip over any pools, buckets, or containers that hold still water. If you use a tarp to cover your grill or firewood, tie it tightly: Rainwater can pool beneath these covers, luring in bugs.
Read the Insect Repellent Warnings
Vacationing abroad?
The Center for Disease Control's Travelers' Health website can keep you up-to-date on travel warnings, disease outbreak patterns, and health risks around the globe. You can also learn about peak mosquito activity times, like dusk or dawn, for example.
If you develop a
headache,
fever, rash, or joint pain after traveling, you should immediately seek medical care."
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Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness capturing international attention, can cause severe birth defects and neurological disorders in unborn babies — and anxiety in pregnant women.
The virus, first discovered in 1947, has been found in nearly 50 countries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 750, mostly travel-related, have been reported in the United States.
So, can you travel? Are you at risk at home? And is the virus a sexually transmitted disease? Stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines on Zika and pregnancy.
What Is the Zika Virus?
The Zika virus is an illness that sometimes causes symptoms similar to Dengue, another mosquito-borne illness.
Most of the time, Zika symptoms last about a week and are mild: Rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Many people with Zika do not develop symptoms at all.
During the 2015-2016 international Zika outbreak, the virus has been linked to several serious birth defects, including microcephaly. This makes the virus worrisome for pregnant women, women looking to become pregnant, and their sexual partners.
Find more with our guide to the Zika virus.
How Pregnant Women Contract Zika
Pregnant women primarily contract the Zika virus through the bite of a mosquito. You are most at risk of contracting Zika when you travel to an affected area. The CDC has recommended travel limitations to about 20 countries and one Miami-area community, Wynwood, where the virus may be circulating.
The virus can also been passed from a man to his sexual partner(s). In turn, a pregnant woman can transmit Zika to her fetus during pregnancy.
Men and women who develop common Zika symptoms, particularly after travel, should be immediately tested.
Richard Beigi, MD, vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, said the highest risk of birth defects appears to occur when mothers are infected early in the pregnancy, when the fetus develops its organs.
Preventing the Zika Virus in Pregnant Women
The CDC recommends pregnant women, women looking to become pregnant, and their male sexual partners avoid travel to Zika-affected areas.
People who fall into those categories and must travel should take precautions, including:
- Wearing protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Using insect repellent containing DEET. Remember, insect repellent is safe for use by pregnant women.
- Remaining indoors while traveling abroad. Daytime is the most dangerous, according to the CDC, as Zika-carrying mosquitos tend to bite during daylight.
- Mosquito-proofing your home or place of residence. Use screens, windows, and turn on the A/C. Eliminate standing water near your home.
- If your male partner has Zika or has traveled to an area with Zika, you may need to abstain from sex or use condoms for a period of months or weeks. Consult with your health care provider for guidance.
Treatment for the Zika Virus in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women with Zika symptoms will most likely undergo a blood test to determine if they have the virus. An ultrasound can be performed in the second trimester to determine if the baby has any of the
birth defects associated with Zika.
There is no
vaccine or cure for the Zika virus. If you have
Zika, get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take acetaminophen or paracetamol to minimize fever and pain. Your health care provider will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment.
What Is Microcephaly?
When a pregnant woman contracts Zika, she can potentially pass the virus to her unborn child, which can result in several serious birth defects, including
microcephaly.
Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head grows much smaller than expected and results in incomplete brain development.
This condition can result in a range of developmental problems and intellectual disabilities, as well as problems with movement, vision, and hearing. Microcephaly is a lifelong condition.
Though microcephaly has been commonly linked to Zika, the virus can lead to other birth defects.
How Does Zika Affect Babies and Young Children?
If contracted after birth, there is no indication that Zika has a long-term effect on babies and children.
Should Pregnant Women Get Tested for Zika?
If you’ve been to an area with Zika and develop any of the tell-tale symptoms, you should be immediately tested, particularly if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
The same is true for your male sexual partner: If he has been to an area with Zika and begins to develop treatment, seek immediate medical care."
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Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
When it comes to the threat of the Zika virus, men need to be aware of risks as well.
The virus is particularly worrisome for pregnant women and their unborn babies — the condition is passed from mother to child during pregnancy and linked to a host of serious birth defects.
But researchers in 2016 discovered men can spread the virus to their sexual partners. In fact, the virus can live in semen longer than blood — up to two months, by some estimates.
“We’ve known about the existence of the Zika virus for 50 or 60 years,” said Richard Beigi, MD, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. “And it was always thought to be primarily mosquito-borne, with sporadic cases suggesting sexual transmission."
“With this new outbreak since late 2015, there’s increasing data demonstrating it can also be a sexually transmitted infection. That’s a relatively new confirmatory finding.”
The mosquito-borne Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda. By 2016, a Zika outbreak prompted the World Health Organization to declare a “public health emergency of international concern.”
How Zika Affects Men
Men who have contracted the Zika virus can transmit it to their sexual partners, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Women who are pregnant or soon to become pregnant can in turn pass the virus to their unborn children — and risk the development of several serious birth defects.
It’s not currently known if women can pass Zika to their sexual partners. Dr. Beigi said the risk of the virus is primarily for couples who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
“If a woman is not planning to become pregnant and is on highly effective contraceptive, she has little to worry about,” Dr. Beigi said. “This is primarily an issue for pregnant women, people who want to become pregnant, people at risk for unplanned pregnancy, and their sexual partners.”
Symptoms of Zika in Men
Many people infected with Zika won’t know they have the disease: As many as three out of four will not develop any symptoms, Dr. Beigi said.
The most common Zika symptoms are:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Though Zika’s incubation period isn’t known, you should contact a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms within a few weeks of traveling to an area with Zika.
You can learn more about symptoms, treatment, and detection by visiting
our guide to the Zika virus.
“It’s really the minority of people who develop symptoms,” Dr. Beigi said. “But if you develop those symptoms you absolutely should get checked.”
Zika Guidelines for Men
In known cases, men who have transmitted Zika have had either vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom, according to the CDC. The organization recommends safe sex or sexual abstinence for those who may have been exposed to the virus:
- Men who have been diagnosed with Zika and/or show symptoms should abstain from sex or use condoms for at least six months after symptoms develop.
- If a man has traveled to an area with Zika and does not develop symptoms, couples should consider using condoms or avoiding sex for at least 8 weeks.
- If a couple is living in an area with Zika they should consider using condoms or avoiding sex while Zika is still in the area.
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Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus.
You may know that the Zika virus is potentially dangerous for pregnant women because of its link to birth defects.
But what are these birth defects? And how can they affect an unborn baby? Learn more about the risk of birth defects from Zika — and what expecting mothers can do to protect themselves.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Zika
The Zika virus is also linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an uncommon illness of the nervous system in which a person’s own immune system damages nerve cells, causing progressive muscle weakness and even sometimes paralysis. GBS is likely triggered by Zika in a small proportion of infections.
GBS can led to the following symptoms
- Weakness of the arms or legs
- Weakness in face muscles that control eye movement or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing in severe cases
- Paralysis in severe cases
Microcephaly and Zika
Zika is also casually linked to microcephaly, a birth defect in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected compared to babies of the same age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that will likely not develop properly, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Microcephaly, depending on the severity, may cause the following problems:
- Seizures
- Developmental delays, such as issues with speech
- Intellectual disability
- Problems with movement or balance
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hearing loss
- Vision complications
Other Birth Defects and the Zika Virus
In addition to microcephaly and Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the Zika virus may cause other birth defects including:
- Eye defects
- Hearing loss
- Impaired growth
Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas experiencing ongoing Zika outbreaks when possible. If travel cannot be avoided, pregnant women should follow the CDC’s
mosquito bite prevention guidelines. These include applying DEET insect repellent, wearing long-sleeves and pants, and staying inside within air-conditioned areas. Remember, insect repellent is safe for pregnant women to use.
The vast majority of mosquito-borne Zika cases are travel-related: People generally have contracted the virus after traveling to affected areas. In August 2016, the CDC issued a travel warning for pregnant women, advising them to avoid the Miami-area community of Wynwood, where the virus may be circulating.
“It’s also important to remember that not all pregnant women who contract the
Zika virus will end up with complications or a baby born with defects,” said
Richard Beigi, MD, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at
Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about Zika or are planning to travel.
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Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
Even as the number of Zika cases grows internationally, the risk of contracting the virus Pennsylvania is “highly unlikely,” according to officials at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
More than a dozen Pennsylvania women have been diagnosed with the Zika virus — a mosquito-borne illness linked to a variety of birth defects. But none of these women have contracted the virus locally via a mosquito, said Richard Beigi, MD, vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Dr. Beigi said a locally contracted case of Zika would almost certainly garner national attention.
“It would not be kept a secret,” Dr. Beigi said. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health department would certainly be involved. And we would start by summarizing our information on the virus and sending it out to our [UPMC] hospitals and providers.”
Testing for the Zika Virus
Symptoms of Zika are similar to Dengue and Chikungunya — and often do not appear at all. In fact, only one in four people with Zika will develop symptoms.
Several tests are commonly used to detect Zika:
- A real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or rRT-PCR, to be conducted within a week of contraction
- A simple blood test for antibodies made after infection
- In some areas, urine testing may be available
For
pregnant women, an ultrasound would be performed during the second trimester to determine if the unborn baby has developed any
birth defects that may be associated with Zika.
Zika has no cure or vaccine. People diagnosed with the condition must work alongside a health care provider to find the best course of treatment.
Protecting Yourself from Zika
The best way for pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women to
prevent Zika contraction is to avoid travel to affected areas and follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
As of August 2016, the CDC has issued one travel warning within the United States.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid travel to the Miami-area community of Wynwood, where the virus may be circulating.
“The basic guideline is don’t travel to an area with Zika unless you have to,” Dr. Beigi said. “If you have to travel, do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites.”
- Wear bug repellent and stay indoors to the extent possible
- Eliminate standing water around your home
- Wear long-sleeve clothing if you do go outside
- Consult a doctor if you develop symptoms, particularly after traveling to a Zika-affected area
Read our
guide on preventing mosquito bites for more details."
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string(132) "The risk of contracting the virus in Pennsylvania is “highly unlikely,” according to officials at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC."
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The risk of contracting the virus in Pennsylvania is “highly unlikely,” according to officials at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.Read More
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string(1153) "The chief medical officer of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC fielded patient questions about the international Zika virus epidemic.
Richard Beigi, MD, vice president of medical affairs for Magee-Womens, spoke to patients about the virus during a live Facebook interview. Watch the q-and-a session to learn more about Zika-related birth defects, travel precautions, and risk factors.
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness linked to several serious birth defects. Global health officials have issued numerous travel-related health warnings connected to Zika. The virus, spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, poses a threat to both pregnant women and their sexual partners.
For more, find Zika virus facts, news, and updates on UPMC HealthBeat."
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A Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC doctor answers your questions about the Zika virus.Read More
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string(3515) "Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
These days, as you smack a mosquito against your skin, you can’t help but think of the Zika virus.
Zika is a newly widespread mosquito-borne illness that has made waves across Central and South America. The virus has been linked to several serious birth defects and can also be transmitted via sexual contact, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
With the continued rise of Zika, you may begin to wonder: What happens when you contract the Zika virus? And can the Zika virus kill you?
Long-Term Affects of Zika: Is the Virus Fatal?
Only two possible Zika-related deaths have been recorded in the United States, according to the CDC. Both victims were elderly patients, and it is unclear whether Zika was the sole cause of death.
While contracting the Zika virus typically is not fatal, the long-term side-effects of the virus can be devastating especially among babies infected while in-utero.
Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and infection during pregnancy can lead to several serious birth defects. Women who contract the virus during the first trimester of pregnancy appear to be most at risk.
In some cases, the birth defects can cause the mother to miscarry, however, other lasting complications from Zika-related birth defects appear to include:
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
- Mental retardation
- Feeding problems
- Stunted growth
- Hearing and vision loss
Zika also appears to be associated with
Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which your body’s immune system attacks its nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, and in rare cases, full-body paralysis.
Following hospitalization, most patients make a full recovery from Guillain-Barre. The condition is fatal in only 5 percent of patients. Though no official link has been made, the CDC does acknowledge a connection between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Zika has also been linked to
microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than it should be. This usually results in incomplete brain development and can be life-threatening.
Is Zika Curable?
No vaccine that can
cure or prevent Zika yet exists. Studies are underway to identify a vaccine that will work to prevent infection from the Zika Virus.
Due to the link between
pregnant women and children born with birth defects, there is a particular focus on developing a vaccine for women who are or could become pregnant.
To protect yourself from the Zika virus take steps to
prevent mosquito bites by using repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoid travel to areas with mosquitos known to carry the virus."
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No vaccine or cure for the Zika virus is yet available, and the virus poses the most risk to unborn babies.Read More
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string(2043) "Two vaccines developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have prevented the offspring of immunized female mice from becoming infected with the Zika virus.
Researchers vaccinated 15 female mice with either one of two potential Zika vaccines or a saline solution with no vaccine in it. The Zika vaccines triggered an immune response to the virus, which was then successfully passed from the female mice to their pups.
Check back in with the UPMC HealthBeat blog for news and updates on the Zika virus
When the pups were exposed to the Zika virus, each vaccine prevented neurological damage better than pups without the mother-conferred immunity.
As a result of this study, Pitt researchers say they have developed a “promising candidate” Zika vaccine that could be used for a pre-clinical, and eventually, a human clinical trial.
Zika is a viral disease most commonly transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, and sometimes, through sexual contact. Because the virus is linked to several serious neurological birth defects, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, the virus presents the greatest risk to unborn children.
Pitt researchers are working to create a vaccine that would be administered to mothers to protect unborn children from the effects of the virus.
Of the two potential vaccines studied, researchers will move forward with one that is administered via a “microneedle array,” or a cluster of crystals affixed to a bandage-like patch.
Learn more about the Zika virus by visiting our complete guide and read the full announcement from the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences.
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Two vaccines developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have prevented the offspring of immunized female mice from becoming infected with the Zika virus.Read More
