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Finally, researchers revealed two ways of combating the Zika virus. One that has discovered a potential way to defend unborn babies from the Virus, and the another from a team that announced the start of human experiments of a new vaccine.

However, neither gives instant relief against the disease. But both ways have given at least hope to protect pregnant women and their babies from the infection.

The Study

Recently, US researchers revealed that the latest study of the Zika virus in mice boosts hope for a way to protect pregnant women and their babies from the potential effects of contamination.

The experiment involved antibodies taken from the blood of people who were recuperated from Zika infections. When the tests were carried out on pregnant mice, the treatment reduced the effect of the virus in the mother mice. It also shielded their fetus and the infant mice from the effects of the deadly virus.

The Findings

Reports revealed that the researchers inspected 29 Zika-different antibodies taken from the white blood cells of those patients who regained and recovered after suffering from Zika virus caused by strains in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The researchers found one and named it  Zika-117, that neutralized all the strains. Then the researchers tested the antibodies in pregnant mice. The tests were carried out a day before and one day after infection with Zika virus.

Dr. James Crowe said that "The antibody reduces virus in the mother and also in the embryo, and protect against placental and fetal injury.

Sources say that researchers are preparing ZIKV-177 for testing in humans.

Zika Results in Severe Birth Defects in Child

The most devastating consequences of Zika virus contagion is the growth of microcephaly or an abnormally small head, blindness, deafness or other defects in babies. Zika also spread from pregnant women to her fetus.

From the Ground

Zika is a virus most commonly spread by the bite of a daytime active Aedes mosquito. It usually lasts no longer than one week and most cases have no symptoms but sometimes people have symptoms like skin rash, mild fever joint and muscle pain. Zika virus related to the dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. Presently, there is no vaccine against Zika.

The Gist So Far

The National Institute of Health (NIH) declared the launch of the first experiment in humans to examine the protection and effectiveness of a Zika vaccine. The vaccine has given positive results in animals.