Puerto Rico’s Zika Cases Plunge, But Its Lasting Effect Still Felt On Island
Meanwhile, a company in Florida has developed medication for people who have contracted the virus.
NPR:
New Zika Cases Fall In Puerto Rico, But Health Effects
The number of new Zika cases in Puerto Rico has dropped dramatically in recent weeks, yet health officials worry the full effect of the outbreak on the island may not be known for months or years to come. Puerto Rico has confirmed more than 34,000 Zika infections since the virus was first detected on the island in November 2015. (Beaubien, 11/29)
Health News Florida:
SWFL Researchers Craft Zika Medication
A Southwest Florida research company said it has developed a medication to combat Zika. The pill is meant to treat people who’ve already contracted the mosquito-borne virus. Joshua Costin has worked on these kinds of viruses, like dengue fever, since 2005. He said he helped create two patented dengue medications. Now, Costin is a researcher with Herbal Science Group in Bonita Springs. He and his team crafted an anti-Zika drug that works like this: the virus has one major viral protein. The medication binds to that protein and stops it from entering people’s cells. (Meszaros, 11/29)
