Researchers at one university in New York say they may have identified a potential weapon in the fight against Zika – something that it’s close to home for South Florida.
A team at The Rockefeller University used the blood of more than 400 people in Mexico and Brazil who had been infected by the disease and found antibodies that can block the virus from initiating an infection. The research could become crucial in helping to find new ways to fight Zika – including a potential vaccine for pregnant women.
South Florida was rocked by the Zika virus last year – a disease that is initially obtained when a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. It costed millions of dollars to battle and created widespread fears for some living in several areas dubbed ‘Zika Zones’ – including Wynwood and Miami Beach – where people were diagnosed.
The virus is particularly dangerous when contracted by pregnant woman as it has been linked to abnormalities and even death in some cases.
The study comes as both state and local officials are warning residents to stay cautious as the summer months approach. State officials say no cases of Zika have been diagnosed so far in 2017.
