New Zika Virus Test Gets FDA Green Light: What This Means for West Virginia

Why it matters locally: While West Virginia isn't a high-risk zone for Zika transmission due to the absence of the Aedes mosquito species that primarily spreads the virus, the FDA's authorization of a new Zika diagnostic test still has relevance for the state. Because West Virginians travel, including to warmer climates where Zika is present, it's possible they may be exposed to the virus and transmit it upon return. A readily available and authorized test will enable quicker diagnosis for West Virginians who present with Zika-like symptoms after potential exposure allowing them to seek treatment and plan for potential spread.

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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.