Zika virus variant could lead to 'new outbreak'

Protecting yourself against mosquito bites this year might be more important than ever.

It has been a while since we talked about the Zika virus as the last reported cases were in Texas and Florida in 2016 and 2017 and there aren't any cases right now.

But a study co-led by the La Jolla Institute for Immunology and the University of Texas Medical Branch says that the recent discovery of a mutation could lead to an outbreak. Researchers say this mutation could bypass existing immunity and that's important because there's no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

"This single mutation is sufficient to enhance Zika virus virulence," said study first author Jose Angel Regla-Nava, Ph.D., per Science Daily. "A high replication rate in either a mosquito or human host could increase viral transmission or pathogenicity -- and cause a new outbreak."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people who contract the virus have zero or mild symptoms.

Related

Study finds college football players are more likely to have brain issues in later life

LISTEN on the Audacy App

Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram