A new test can detect Zika virus during the acute phase of infection, a few days after symptoms appear.

The new Novagnost® Zika Virus test allows for improved results across different diagnostics based on the World Health Organization (WHO) testing algorithm. Together with previous molecular biological tests, this new immunoassay offers greater efficiency in the early detection of Zika virus.

The fight against the Zika virus epidemic still faces many challenges. Photo: Siemens

The Zika virus epidemic is still complicated in many countries, challenging the prevention and control of global outbreaks. Early diagnosis helps health agencies determine the location of the epidemic to take timely control measures, and patients know their disease status to promptly prevent the possibility of transmission to others through sexual intercourse.

In Vietnam, the disease appeared early last year with hundreds of cases recorded in many southern provinces. Zika virus disease often has mild clinical symptoms but can cause serious consequences if infected in the first months of pregnancy due to the risk of causing microcephaly in the fetus.

Suspected signs of the disease are rash and at least 2 of the 4 symptoms including fever below 38 degrees, conjunctivitis or conjunctival congestion, joint pain or swelling around the joints, muscle pain. Everyone, especially pregnant women, should take the initiative to prevent mosquito bites. Practice safe sex, use condoms to avoid sexual transmission of Zika virus.

According to Vnexpress