26 Jul The Latest News on the Zika Vaccine

Preventing the Zika Virus

The Zika virus has been a serious cause for concern in recent years, especially for pregnant women who become infected with the virus. It is mainly known for causing birth defects where the brain and head do not develop properly, leading to hearing and vision impairment and learning disabilities. Additionally, the Zika virus causes flu-like symptoms and in extreme cases, it can cause heart problems and trigger an attack of the body’s nerves that could lead to paralysis. With all of these concerns, it’s no wonder that people around the world are anxiously anticipating a Zika vaccine that puts their worries to rest, Thanks to the success of animal trials by the scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a Zika vaccine is one step closer to becoming a reality.

A Background of the Zika Vaccine

The vaccine, developed by the NIAID Vaccine Research Center, is an experimental DNA vaccine designed to protect against disease caused by the Zika virus. The vaccine contains a plasmid, a small piece of DNA, which is encoded with two proteins found on the Zika virus. Once injected, the proteins create particles that replicate the Zika virus, triggering the immune system to respond. The vaccine cannot cause an actual Zika infection because the proteins are non-infectious. In its initial testing, the vaccine proved to be safe and successful in prompting an antibody response against the Zika virus.

What’s Next?

Now that the vaccine has proved to stimulate an immune system response to Zika, NIAID plans to enroll approximately 2,500 participants for the next phase to determine if the vaccine can prevent diseases that are caused by the Zika virus. The participants will come from areas that have been exposed to the Zika virus, but the participants themselves must by adolescents or adults who have never been infected with the virus. Some of the participants will receive the vaccine, while others will receive a placebo in order to determine whether or not the vaccine is effective in preventing Zika-related diseases.

How Can You Prevent the Zika Virus Now?

While you wait for a Zika vaccine to be readily available, the best way to prevent the Zika virus is with an insect repellent that contains DEET. NET effect is a roll-on insect repellent that is trusted by people around the world to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika. Thanks to its unique roll-on applicator, NET effect goes on easier and is safer than other spray insect repellents. With NET effect, you’ll get the protection of a DEET insect repellent without any of the hazards or discomforts that are associated with spray repellents. To purchase your own supply of NET effect, visit the shop page on our website today.