Floridian First Human to Contract Keystone Virus

A Florida teenager is the first person on record to have contracted the Keystone virus, according to a report published in this month's Clinical Infectious Diseases journal and coverage by multiple news outlets.

Previously only found in animals, the Keystone virus is spread by mosquito, specifically the aedes atlanticus. The virus was identified in the 16-year-old teenage boy following a visit to a North Central Florida urgent care clinic in 2016.

Physicians initially thought the teen's fever and rash was caused by Zika, but researchers from the University of Florida eventually found the Keystone virus in patient samples.

Lab studies indicate that the Keystone virus can infect brain cells and may pose a brain infection risk.

Researchers suspect that the Keystone virus has likely infected humans for many years, specifically in North Florida. Until now there was no way to test for the virus and symptoms associated with the virus were likely mild.

The Keystone virus is named after the Florida town where it was first identified in 1964.

 

Phenelle Segal
Jul 2, 2018

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Florida Confirms First Sexually Transmitted Case of Zika in 2017

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has announced it has confirmed the first sexually transmitted Zika case in 2017.

The case was confirmed in Pinellas County. The DOH reported that the individual's partner recently traveled to Cuba and had fallen ill with symptoms consistent with Zika. Both tested positive for Zika. The virus can remain in semen for months after infection, even without symptoms, and can be spread to partners during that period of time.

Following confirmation, the DOH stated it notified mosquito control, which is rolling out mosquito reduction activities.

Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, which is a sign of incomplete brain development. Physicians have identified other problems in pregnancies and among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth.

There is no evidence of ongoing transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in any area of Florida at this time.

As of August 1, the total number of Zika cases reported in Florida in 2017, which is broken down as follows:

• Travel-related Infections of Zika — 90
• Locally acquired infections exposed in 2016, tested in 2017 — 6
• Undetermined exposed in 2016, tested in 2017 — 22

For five things you should know about Zika, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click here.
 

Phenelle Segal
Aug 3, 2017

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Zika Virus Spreads to Miami Beach, Prompting Warnings

As the fear of Zika virus infections continues to plague Florida, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on August 19 that "pregnant women should not travel to an area of Miami Beach where local Zika virus transmission has been confirmed."

This is the second area in Miami that has been identified as being "at risk" for active transmission of the virus. The Florida Department of Health announced that five locally transmitted cases have been confirmed as connected to the Miami Beach area.

The CDC further advised that the sexual partners of pregnant women refrain from visiting the area. Pregnant women are at the highest risk due to identification of birth defects in babies born to mothers who have contracted the illness. As Dr. Tom Frieden, CDC director, states, "The risk is low, but the outcome is so horrific, you really want to try to avoid it."

Florida Governor Rick Scott noted, "There are 36 locally transmitted cases of the virus and 20.6 million people living in the state," requesting that the public put this issue in perspective. 

The CDC is aiding Florida with test and prevention kits to assist with transmission identification and prevention.
 

Phenelle Segal
Aug 22, 2016

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Florida DOH Investigating Possible Non-Travel Related Case of Zika

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has announced it is conducting an investigation into a possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Miami-Dade County.

If confirmed, this would be the first reported non-travel associated case. As of July 13, there more than 1,300 travel-associated cases reported in U.S. states.

As news reports note, the Florida DOH is considering all known routes of transmission, including the possibility that it still could be travel related.

For a roundup of some of other the most significant Zika news from the past week, read this Zika update.

 

Phenelle Segal
Jul 20, 2016

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Chikungunya Virus: Are We Closer to a Vaccine?

As the summer progresses and over 40 species of mosquitoes take "residence" in Florida, the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which originated in the Caribbean, is once again a threat to persons who are susceptible to mosquito bites and unprotected when enjoying the outdoors.

Recently recognized and joining Dengue fever as a mosquito-borne illness, CHIKV symptoms range from mild to severe headaches, high fever, muscle pain, possible rash and, most notable, severe joint pains in the arms and legs that can be highly debilitating and prolonged. Patients describe feeling "so ill" that they can't get out of bed. It can take a toll on work productivity and activities of daily living.

To date, no vaccine or treatment is available, and the mechanism for protection has been difficult to grasp. But, according to Cell Host & Microbe, a group of scientists recently isolated human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from donors that neutralize CHIKV infectivity. Several of these mAbs exhibited prophylactic and therapeutic activity in a mouse model, suggesting hope for prevention of infection in the future with a vaccine.

While it is too soon to determine if a vaccine is possible, this discover provides a lead for scientists to continue studying the potential for providing protection to "at-risk" individuals. 

Phenelle Segal
Jul 13, 2015

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