London, Europe Brief News – The Zika virus Outbreak is a growing threat. Researchers claim that the Zika Virus could quickly change into an even worse and more contagious variety, prompting scientists to issue a warning.
The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and caused a worldwide health crisis in 2016 when it was linked to birth problems in more than 30 nations. The virus may infect a growing fetus, resulting in a condition known as microcephaly, which can cause newborns to be born with a tiny head and, in some cases, brain damage.
New #Zika research shows why it is so important to study how viruses mutate as they pass between people and animals. https://t.co/heWCxlA9EE
“A high replication rate in either a mosquito or human host could increase viral transmission or pathogenicity—and cause a new outbreak.”
— La Jolla Institute (@ljiresearch) April 13, 2022
Zika Virus Outbreak – A deadly threat
According to the Daily Record, the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in California studied the overlap between Zika virus disease and dengue viruses. Professor Surjan Shresta and his team recreated infection cycles in mosquito cells and mice to test this hypothesis. Thus to see how quickly virus strains may evolve from one another.
He made the following statement: “The great majority of persons in places where Zika is endemic have previously been infected with dengue virus. Zika has developed to the point where previous dengue infection was no longer able to provide cross-protection for mice.”
What’s more worrisome is that lab testing has shown that the mutant virus replicates faster in human cells than the original. A team of researchers is now trying to figure out what causes this new mutation to be so contagious.
The Looming Threat of Zika Virus Epidemic
Zika virus was found to be relatively simple to acquire a single alteration that permits it to multiply and spread more quickly, according to the research results. Both mice and mosquitoes benefit from the virus’ increased capacity to reproduce due to the NS2B I39V/139T mutation. Human cells similarly demonstrated higher replication of the resultant mutation.
However, if this variety becomes widespread, we may face similar problems in real life, according to the expert. “The world should keep an eye on this variant’s development.”
During the summer of 2020, mosquito populations in the United Kingdom rose, and a new mosquito dubbed the “Asian Tiger” got discovered in Spain. Subsequently spreading up to 23 different diseases.
What are the Zika Virus symptoms?
Zika virus in adults usually does not cause any symptoms. A few Zika Virus symptoms were noted in individuals are:
- High fever.
- Rash
- Headache
- Inflammation of the joints
- Red-eyed
- Aches and pains
- Itchy sensation throughout the body
Researchers have warned that a single mutation in the virus might lead to a new Zika Virus epidemic triggered by a single mosquito bite. Research shows that thousands of infants were born with brain damage due to their mothers contracting the illness while pregnant. Hence prompting a worldwide medical emergency. According to experts in the United States, the world should be on the watch for new mutations because of the Zika Virus Outbreak.
