Zika Virus Q&A with Dr. Steven Bradfute

Interview by Robert Graham

Immunologist Steven Bradfute, Ph.D. (BA 98) offers insight into the Zika virus, which the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an inaugural alert for in May 2015.

Dr. Bradfute cautions that the information given below will likely change as we learn more about the virus.

Q: I’ve read discussions about using certain kinds of mosquitos to fight the virus. Can you please explain how this came about?

A: One way to possibly reduce mosquito-borne diseases, like Zika virus, is to use genetically modified mosquitos that are either resistant to the diseases that normal mosquitos carry, or to make offspring that die before they reach adulthood. These approaches are still in the experimental stage but are a possible future solution.

Q: I recall in our last conversation you noted that, while Ebola is not new, the fact that it was popping up in population centers caused the concern– is this true for Zika? Is Zika virus, like Ebola, not entirely new?

A: Great question. Zika virus was discovered in the 1940s, but has been a minor infectious concern until the last year. We simply don’t have a good explanation as to why it has recently spread so rapidly. At this point we don’t know nearly as much about it as we knew about Ebola, but I expect we will learn quickly.

Q: With the 2016 Olympics approaching, how do you expect management of the virus to intersect with a spike in international travel?

A: I think there will be increased testing to detect infected individuals. If public health officials can warn those who are infected to avoid mosquito bites until they’re rid of the virus, this will limit the infection of mosquitos that could transmit the virus to other people. I believe there will also be emphasis placed on discovering drugs and vaccines for the virus, as well as reducing the number of mosquitos that carry Zika by using insecticides and removing standing water and other breeding sites to limit viral spread.