Test to Detect Zika Virus Could Be Weeks Away: WHO

For a virus that seemed to come out of nowhere quickly, health organizations are reacting quickly.

The World Health Organization said Friday that a test to diagnose the Zika virus more easily could be available fairly soon, perhaps within weeks, USA Today reported.

Because the virus is such a new health concern, so far only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a few states can actually diagnose an infection.

USA Today said 10 biotech companies “are close” to coming up with a test for the virus and another 10 are developing them.

Unfortunately, the virus is not a stranger to the lower Hudson Valley.

Putnam County health officials confirmed Friday one county resident has the Zika virus and a second case in being tested.

The first case of the Zika virus in Rockland County was confirmed Feb. 5.

A woman from Rockland who had recently traveled to South America contracted the virus.

Symptoms, according to Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, may include a low-grade fever, rash, joint pain or conjuncitivitis.

They begin typically two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, she said.

Of concern are pregnant women and mothers with newborn babies.

The infection is associated with birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition where the baby’s is smaller than what it should be for babies of the same age and gender.

To keep up with news about the Zika virus, NPR has compiled a timeline which it is updating as needed.

As of Saturday, Feb. 13, NPR is reporting that Brazilian military forces are knocking on doors trying to make people aware of the virus.

The “Zero Zika” campaign hopes to reach 3 million homes in Brazil.

For the complete USA Today article, go here.

For the story on the Brazilian military, visit the NPR website here.