Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Researchers Investigate How Different Zika Strains Impact Fetal Development
Sacramento Bee: African Strain Of Zika Virus Shown To Act More Quickly Than Asian Strain
The University of Missouri study looked at two strains of the Zika virus – the African strain as well as the Asian strain, the latter of which has been linked to a neurological defect called microcephaly in human babies. Researchers used stem cells to create placental cells, and then infected two separate groups of those cells with the Asian or the African strain of the Zika virus, according to a news release about the study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The Asian strain of the virus entered the cell and replicated within the cells, but did not kill the cells, according to the release. (Caiola, 3/20)
Miami Herald: Florida Reports Another Local Zika Infection In Miami-Dade
Florida health officials on Monday reported one more locally acquired Zika infection in a person who felt no symptoms but who was tested for the virus in February. The person likely acquired Zika in Miami-Dade in 2016 after “multiple exposures” to areas where mosquitoes were spreading the virus, the Florida Department of Health reported, adding that the state had just received confirmation from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Chang, 3/20)
Orlando Sentinel: Florida Reports New Case Of Locally Acquired Zika Infection
lorida health officials reported a new locally acquired Zika infection in Miami-Dade County on Monday, as well as four new travel-related cases in South Florida. The person infected in Miami-Dade had “multiple exposures” to areas where mosquitoes were spreading the virus and likely contracted the mosquito-borne Zika virus in 2016, according to the Florida Department of Health. The person did not feel any symptoms, but was tested for the virus in February and state health officials just received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Piccardo, 3/20)
