Duke scientists create vaccine to prevent Zika virus quoting : dukechronicle

Duke scientists create Vaccine to prevent Zika virusBy Deepti Agnihotri | Monday, April 3Courtesy of Duke Photography Barton Haynes is the director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, which developed the Zika vaccine. Researchers from the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have helped develop a vaccine for the Zika virus using modified genetic material. The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites and most commonly occurs in Africa and Asia. If approved, the treatment would be the first Zika vaccine to provide long-term protection against the disease without using a live virus. "The vaccine works because it targets the molecule in the Zika virus to which antibodies that can neutralize the virus bind," said Barton Haynes, Frederic M. Hanes professor of medicine and director of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute.




Jefferson County Public Health Director Gail Scott says the Center for Disease Control warns there are still some countries that carry the risk of Zika Virus. JEFFERSON (WKOW) -- As travelers leave for spring vacation, public health officials say many should be aware of several diseases that remain a concern in parts of the world. "Many countries in Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean have Zika virus transmission going on," said Scott, who notes there have been several transmissions in Florida as well. "If you know you're going out of the country, really start ideally six months in advance to find out what vaccines are recommended." "You can type in the destination, where you're going, and it will give you any tips about disease prevention or if there are any diseases of concern."

Youngstown news, Among the 62 countries and territories with the Zika virus are Mexico, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico

Zika has spread to about 62 countries and territories that include popular spring break destinations such as Mexico, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Women who have had possible exposure to Zika virus should wait at least eight weeks before having unprotected sex. There have been 5,139 travel-associated Zika virus cases across the United States since January 2015. For information about the Zika virus, visit the ODH website at www.odh.ohio.gov/zika. Zika virus can be passed through sexual transmission, even if the infected person does not have symptoms.


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