ZIKA

A study in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that infants exposed to Zika in utero who do not show signs of congenital Zika syndrome may still be at risk for abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Zika virus was previously only found in regions of Asia, the Pacific Islands, South America, and Africa. ECDC has now confirmed 3 locally acquired cases in southern Europe.

By repurposing the HIV treatment rilpivirine, investigators have opened up possibilities for treating Zika virus and other flavivirus infections which overlap with HIV.

Although Cuba reported no cases of Zika virus in 2017 and 2018, investigators used travel data and genomic epidemiology to uncover a large, “hidden” Zika outbreak.

Although antibodies normally shield us from infection, a new study suggests that certain maternal antibodies may actually make it easier for Zika virus to gain a foothold and cause birth defects.

Of the 216 infants studied, 31.5% had delayed neurodevelopment and/or eye abnormalities and/or hearing deficits when evaluated as late as 32 months of age.

ZIKV Detect 2.0 IgM Capture ELISA is the first diagnostic test authorized to detect Zika virus immunoglobulin antibodies in human blood and was previously available under Emergency Use Authorization.

Deep-dives into Zika virus exposures shed light on how we can protect lab workers.

As several Zika virus vaccine candidates undergo clinical trials, a group of investigators is taking an alternate approach to quell transmission by genetically engineering mosquitoes to be resistant to the virus.

A new study reports that Zika antibodies persist for longer than initially believed, with antibodies detected in symptomatic patients 18 months after illness onset.

Investigators followed a pediatric cohort in Nicaragua over the course of 15 years and found that dengue fever immunity offers some protection against symptomatic Zika disease.

While most infants exposed to Zika in utero show no severe developmental defects, a new study offers an estimate of the impact of Zika-associated impairment within the first 2 years of life.

Two new studies highlight how antibodies from prior infection with Zika or Dengue may increase the severity of illness in the other, impacting the infants of pregnant women who are infected.

A new study examining cytokines in the blood of pregnant women infected with Zika may help investigators create a screening test for early detection of fetal abnormalities from the virus.

The virus may be fading from mainstream headlines, but it is active and physicians must stay vigilant.

The Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced 22 confirmed cases of Zika virus in Jaipur as of October 8, 2018.

The NIH has begun a phase 1 trial assessing the safety of rZIKV/D4Δ30-713, a Zika virus vaccine.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

The CDC now recommends that men who have been exposed to Zika use condoms or abstain from sex for 3 months to prevent sexual transmission of Zika.

The CDC reports that 1 in 7 infants exposed to Zika during pregnancy developed a birth defect or abnormality related to the virus.

The World Health Organization has listed Uganda on its Zika travel advisory list, but now the country’s health minister is requesting removal from the list, citing no cases or outbreaks.

Researchers studying how pregnant women in the United States responded to the Zika virus outbreak of 2015-2016 emphasize the need to manage stress and fear during disease outbreaks.

Current research trends indicate a need for updated guidelines and new technology to differentiate between Zika and other mosquito-borne infections.

Single-dose vaccines delivered via a new technology platform may offer full protection against Zika, Lassa fever, and Ebola.

Much about the virus and the proper public health response to outbreaks remains up for debate.