Author Interviews, CDC, NEJM, Zika / 16.02.2017
Persistence of Zika Virus in Body Fluids — Preliminary Report
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Gabriela Paz-Bailey MD PhD
Senior Epidemiologist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Zika virus is recognized as a cause of microcephaly and other severe birth defects when a woman is infected during pregnancy. Additionally, it has been associated with potentially fatal complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is not well understood how often Zika virus particles can be detected in semen and other body fluids and for how long they remain detectable. Existing evidence is based on case reports and cross-sectional observations, primarily from returning travelers. A more comprehensive description of the dynamics of the early stages of Zika virus infection, observed within infected people over time, is needed to inform diagnostic testing as well as prevention recommendations and interventions.
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