Stillwater Lab Developing Test For Early Zika Virus Detection
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A test that could have a dramatic impact on the Zika virus outbreak is being developed right here in Minnesota.
The federal government has awarded a contract to an international company with a location in Stillwater. That's where scientists are working on a way to detect Zika infections early.
DiaSorin is a biotechnology company headquartered in Italy. For more than 50 years, its scientists have developed diagnostic tests for a variety of infectious diseases.
This week, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded DiaSorin a $2.6 million contract to develop a test that will help in the fight against the Zika virus. Scientists are working to create a faster test for diagnosing Zika. The earlier the detection, the sooner it can be treated.
Often people infected with virus don't have symptoms. Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. It's particularly harmful to pregnant women as it can cause birth defects in babies.
Places in the Caribbean, Central and South America have seen an epidemic in the last year. And as people from the U.S. travel to those warm climates, they are at risk.
There are now 31 confirmed cases of the Zika virus here in Minnesota. All are travel-related.
Across the nation, the number of Zika cases is nearing 2,500.
DiaSorin says their detection test is currently under development at its Stillwater facility and will be submitted to the FDA for clearance in the coming weeks.