Zika Vaccine Protects Mouse Fetuses Against Brain Infections and Malformations

In 2015 and 2016, the world was shocked by the sudden and massive outbreak of the Zika virus in Latin America. “The Zika virus is transmitted by the tiger mosquito and, in most cases, the patient experiences no or only mild symptoms,” says Professor Johan Neyts. “But when a pregnant woman contracts the virus, this can affect the brain development of the foetus. It can lead to microcephaly – whereby the infant has a smaller-than-average head – but also mental and other severe health issues” The outbreak of the virus in Latin America is currently under control. However, the virus remains present – in Latin America as well as in other areas with tiger mosquitoes – and there can be a new outbreak at any time. Therefore, scientists across the world are looking for an effective vaccine. It now appears that Professor Neyts, Dr. Kai Dallmeier, and their team have developed such a vaccine. “To do so, we made use of the yellow fever vaccine. The yellow fever virus is closely related to the Zika virus and is transmitted by the same mosquito. The vaccine is very safe and offers lifelong protection.”