New Zika Virus Test Authorized: What it Means for Pennsylvania

Why it matters locally: While Pennsylvania is not a primary zone for Zika virus transmission due to its climate, the FDA's emergency authorization of a new Zika diagnostic test still has implications for the state. Pennsylvanians who travel to regions where Zika is prevalent, such as parts of the Caribbean, South America, or Florida, could benefit from improved and expanded testing capacity. This authorization ensures that Pennsylvania's labs, if they choose to participate and are authorized, will have access to a more advanced diagnostic tool for returning travelers who may be exhibiting symptoms.

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Washington D.C. – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a new diagnostic test designed to detect the Zika virus. The test was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authorization, announced [Date unavailable from source text], is intended to expand the nation's laboratory capacity for Zika testing. This action allows authorized laboratories within the United States to utilize the new CDC-developed test. The CDC developed the test and is expected to oversee its distribution to qualified laboratories. Further details regarding the rollout and specific capabilities of the test were not immediately available.