Zika Virus Is Treatable: Research

Two new ways have been lately announced to be fighting the Zika virus. One claims to have found a way to protect unborn babies and the second reveals to beginning with a new vaccine on human as trial.

However, it is to note neither of the ways offer immediate relief against the virus, but researchers are keeping hope to protect pregnant women and the unborn babies from Zika virus infection.

According to reports, the new treatment is based on the body’s own defenses. It is said an immune system particle called a monoclonal antibody will be used. Successful trials have already been conducted on mice.

Dr. Michael Diamond at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said, “This is the first antiviral that has been shown to work in pregnancy to protect developing fetuses from Zika virus.”

Diamond led the research and said Zika virus infection during pregnancy is treatable and human antibody helps in the treatment as proved from trials in mice.

It is known the Zika virus does not cause serious disease in many, but causes profound birth defects.

However, it is still a long way from testing in people and for any therapy the main target would be pregnant women.

Zika is a mosquito-born disease and only in Florida over 1,000 home-grown cases have been recorded. In the US some 30,000 people have been infected with the virus.