Zika Virus

Zika virus infection intensified due to dengue antibodies presence, preliminary research suggests

Zika virus infection intensified due to dengue antibodies presence, according to preliminary research. There are four serotypes (strains) of dengue virus, and infection with one of the serotypes generally leads to a self-resolving disease. To answer the question of whether dengue virus could impact Zika virus, the researchers used two broadly neutralizing anti-dengue virus monoclonal ...click here to read more

Zika virus fact sheet

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947, and its name is derived from the Zika forest in Uganda where it was found. Human cases of Zika virus were first reported in 1952, but until last year cases have been seen almost exclusively in tropical areas. Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a bite from an ...click here to read more

Zika virus detection with low-cost rapid method developed by experts, new mouse model can help enhance research

Zika virus can be detected with low-cost rapid method developed by experts while a new mouse model can help enhance research. Researchers from the University of Toronto, Harvard, Cornell, MIT, and other institutions have developed an easy-to-use, paper-based tool that helps detect Zika virus. The tool is a freeze-dried piece of paper about the size ...click here to read more

Zika virus, dengue, and malaria risk reduced after genetically modified mosquitoes released in affected areas, studies show

Zika virus, dengue, and malaria risk is reduced once genetically modified mosquitoes are released in affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) gave a statement on deploying genetically modified mosquitoes stating, “Given the magnitude of the Zika crisis, WHO encourages affected countries and their partners to boost the use of both old and new approaches ...click here to read more

Weekly health news roundup: shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia

This weekly health news roundup presents stories regarding shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. We examine whether shingles is contagious and if it is a threat to pregnant women. We also explore rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic stress disorder, along with the risk of multiple sclerosis associated with one’s geographical location. Lastly, we wrap up ...click here to read more

Zika virus spreads through sexual contact, new findings may help to fight virus with drugs

Zika virus spreads through sexual contact and researchers have uncovered how this transmission occurs. The new findings can help develop targeted drugs to fight off Zika virus. Lead researcher Shee-Mei Lok said, “This is exciting, as our structure will provide important clues to other researchers around the world who are working to find therapeutic agents ...click here to read more

Autoimmune brain disorder tied to Zika virus

The Zika virus, which is spreading across Brazil and the world, may be linked to an autoimmune brain disorder, according to new findings. The researchers suggest this autoimmune brain disorder is similar to multiple sclerosis. So far, Zika virus is already tied to a birth defect known as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. The autoimmune brain ...click here to read more

Zika virus vs Malaria, differences in symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Zika virus and malaria are both mosquito-borne illnesses, and since the rise of Zika first in Brazil and now overseas, many are questioning the similarities and differences between malaria and Zika virus. Zika is becoming a growing problem, as it’s not only affecting the Brazil population, but sending worldwide researchers and scientists into frenzy to ...click here to read more

Zika outbreak 2016: U.S.-Brazil teams probe Zika virus, microcephaly connection, Caribbean islands affected

Zika outbreak 2016: U.S. and Brazil teams have joined the effort to probe the Zika virus and determine if it is linked to microcephaly. For now, the Zika virus continues spreading across the Caribbean islands, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported it may even go as far as Africa. On February 17, 2016, ...click here to read more

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and mosquito-borne Zika virus linked

Much of the world’s attention has been on the mosquito-borne disease Zika, and now medical experts believe the Zika virus could be linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome or, as some simply call it, GBS. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare, yet serious autoimmune disorder. According to medical officials at the Mayo Clinic, when someone gets GBS, their ...click here to read more