Scottish scientists helping in global race to combat Zika virus

Zika is transmitted through the Aedes type of mosquitos and has been linked to thousands of cases of microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small heads and damaged brains, as well as Guillain–Barré syndrome, which attacks the nerves and can cause paralysis.

With the virus spreading to 23 countries and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the verge of declaring a public health emergency, the race is on to find some way of combatting Zika, for which there is currently no treatment or vaccine.

Kohl, who is based at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research, said the link to microcephaly – which has not been definitely proven – had been largely unexpected, as it was not usually associated with flaviviruses such as Zika.

He said: “Brazil and South America generally have other flaviviruses – a few years ago there was a virus called chikungunya and it was thought Zika would probably be similar to this.

“The symptoms that we knew were associated with Zika were rash, fever and conjunctivitis – the possible link to microcephaly has taken people in the field largely by surprise.

“These viruses can cause brain infections or infect other neurological tissues, but microcephaly is something which is really highly unusual.”

Kohl said it was not known whether the Zika virus had mutated in some way, or if it was some kind of environmental factor influencing how it was affecting people.

He said: “These are the sort of things we are looking into at the moment, but it is not something that we expect to have any quick answers on.

“We have started and other people have started as well - the field is now moving at an accelerated pace, and hopefully at some point we will find an answer to this, but it is difficult to predict what it is going to be and when it will be delivered.”

He said other measures which could be taken to tackle Zika included public health awareness campaigns and better strategies to try and control mosquitos in affected areas.

“Efforts to develop a vaccine or other therapeutics take a bit more time and it is not something we can do just like that," he added.

“There are a number of people around the world not starting to get these efforts going. Here in Glasgow we are getting more investment in this and it is a very important part of our work now.”

Kohl said the work they were carrying out – which also involves studying groups of patients who have been infected with the virus – would also be important in finding out how the virus progresses and if there are any long-term problems associated with Zika.

There have been two cases recorded in the world where Zika is thought to have been sexually transmitted.

But Kohl added: “With regards to whether could there be an outbreak in Glasgow for example, or the rest of the UK, that is extremely unlikely as we don’t have these types of mosquitos here.”

To date, there have been five cases of Zika virus in the UK diagnosed in travellers who returned after visiting affected countries since the current outbreak began.

Public Health England has warned couples returning from countries affected by Zika not to try for a baby for a month.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) said no cases had been identified in Scotland to date and a briefing note has been issued to medics to remind them to check the travel history of any pregnant women who has signs of illness or fever.

A statement from HPS said: “HPS is recommending that all pregnant woman who have recently travelled to any of the countries affected by the Zika virus should arrange an antenatal check promptly on return home, even if feeling well. In addition, they should seek medical attention immediately for any feverish illness experienced whilst travelling or on return.

“Testing facilities for Zika virus are available in the UK.”