They detect the epidemic of Zika virus between primates in Brazil

A study conducted by a university in Sao Paulo indicates that the Zika virus, which caused an outbreak of microcephaly in Brazilian babies, is present among primates, which increases the risk of new outbreaks in humans.

Researchers at the San José School of Medicine in Rio Preto, São Paulo state, detected the presence of zika among the macaques in the southeastern part of the country.

"The discovery indicates that there is a wild cycle potential for Zika in Brazil, as is the case with yellow fever," explained Macio Lacerda, coordinator of the study.

"This completely changes the Zika epidemic, because there is a natural reserve from which the virus can infect the human population much more frequently," he warned.

The Zika virus had already been detected in macaques in the state of Ceará, who lived near humans, but never as an epidemic, which, according to researchers, increases the risk of Infection and possible epidemics in humans.

"This is a fundamental factor that must be taken into account by public policy makers and the health sector, as well as by vaccine designers," said Professor Nikos Vasilaks, of the University from Texas, in United States.

Current theory indicates that Zika appeared in monkeys in Africa, sporadically infecting humans when the virus left the forested areas, but when it arrived in Asia, the virus began to circulate only among humans, as in the Americas.

The Zika virus, which triggered an alert in Brazil in 2015 because of its potential harmful effects on fetuses, can be used to fight brain tumors in children, according to a study published this year that documented treatment outcomes in children. mice injected with the virus. purified virus.

The Brazilian government declared in May 2017 the end of the national emergency due to the Zika virus, decreed in November 2015, after a drastic reduction in the number of infected people.

Researchers at the San José School of Medicine in Rio Preto, São Paulo state, detected the presence of zika among the macaques in the southeastern part of the country. (ARCHIVE)

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