HANDWRITTEN research documents relating to the discovery of the Zika virus have been uncovered in the archives at Glasgow University.
The papers, which include notes about the first ever catch of mosquitos carrying the Zika virus, previously belonged to Professor Alexander Haddow – a key member of the investigative team who originally identified the infection.
The find, at a time when the World Health Organisation has declared the virus a global public health emergency, is being hailed as one of the most exciting discoveries in the university’s archives.
An outbreak of the virus, which began in Brazil has now spread to more than 20 countries. While deaths from it are rare, it is strongly suspected that the infection can lead to babies being born with under developed brains.
Moira Rankin, senior archivist, said: “We always knew we had some of Alexander Haddow’s materials, but we didn’t realise the amount of Zika related content that was in there.
“It’s been a particularly interesting and important find given the university’s current involvement in Zika virus research. This Zika collection find really brings to light how involved the University of Glasgow has been in Zika work from the beginning.”
Professor Haddow studied zoology at Glasgow University, graduating with a First Class degree in 1934. He went on to work as an entomologist at the Yellow Fever Research Institute in Entebbe, Uganda, rising to the post of director.
Following his return to Scotland he became Professor of Administrative Medicine at Glasgow University in 1971. When he died he donated the contents of his own personal archive to Glasgow University.
Alongside his papers on Zika and yellow fever there are sketches and documents relating to his study of traditional Scottish music.
Eleanor Tiplady, who is studying the material, said: “We have been amazed by the calibre and volume of material we have found in the Haddow archive.
“His work for the Yellow Fever Research Institute led him to study many viruses, including Zika. It’s been particularly interesting to read work on Zika – which he doesn’t view as a particular threat at that time.”
Glasgow University is still involved in significant research about the Zika outbreak, including studying the virus, working on vaccines and examining the links between Zika and a rare nervous system disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome.
The Haddow Zika collection will be the basis of a free panel discussion during the Glasgow Science Festival, called "Zika Virus: Present, Past & Future". It takes place on June 15 in the Sir Charles Wilson Building at Glasgow University at 6.30pm.
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