Quickly detect the presence of Zika virus. This is the objective of the diagnostic test developed by the pharmaceutical laboratory Roche. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Medicines Agency, has just signed an “emergency authorization” for this test, in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus in the United States.
Immediately detect Zika virus in the blood
Under the name of LightMix® Zika, the test is intended for patients with signs and symptoms symptoms of Zika virus infection (fever, skin rash, articular painand conjunctivitis) in affected areas where Zika virus is known to be present. The FDA anticipates that the tested samples will be sent to specialized and certified US laboratories. “Zika LightMix Modular (CE) virus test provides healthcare professionals with immediate option for virus detection“said Uwe Oberlaender, director of Roche Molecular Diagnostics in a statement.
Local cases of Zika in the United States, especially in Florida
The United States has been affected for several months by the Zika epidemic. The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recalls that last week, the country recorded 2,517 cases of Zika, of which 29 probably acquired locally in Florida, by mosquito bites. The remaining cases were imported by people returning from travel to infected areas. Another 9,000 cases have been reported in American territories such as Puerto Rico. As part of the fight against the Zika virus, the United States also decided on August 26 to test all blood donations in the territory to verify that they are free from the virus.
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