A team of researchers based at Harvard University say they have developed a testing method that could quickly diagnose Zika virus, and do so basically anywhere in the world.
The Zika outbreak first hit the Western Hemisphere a year. Some 57 countries and territories are now reporting cases of people being infected, most by mosquitos that can carry the Zika virus. Several countries also have reported cases that appear to have spread through sexual contact.
Building on work they did to develop a screening method for Ebola, the researchers led by synthetic biologist James Collins came up with a way to screen blood, urine or saliva for Zika virus.
In a paper published in the journal Cell, they said their method uses paper cards about the size of a human hand. If Zika is present, the card changes color. The testing can produce a result in as little as 30 minutes with the change in color easily visible to the naked eye. An even faster result can be achieved by placing the card in a special reader, the researchers say.