Children With Prior Dengue Infection Less Likely To Show Zika Infection Symptoms, Study Says

CIDRAP News: Prior dengue in kids may protect against Zika symptoms
“Prior dengue infection may protect children from Zika illness symptoms, an international research team reported [Tuesday], based on data from a longstanding dengue cohort study in Nicaragua. The scientists found, however, that dengue immunity doesn’t seem to generally protect against Zika, which in many cases is asymptomatic…” (Schnirring, 1/23).

Miami Herald: Prior dengue infection may protect against symptomatic Zika disease, study finds
“…Experts had worried that prior dengue infection could worsen Zika disease, but the new findings published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine suggest that prior dengue immunity in children may protect against symptomatic Zika, which can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes…” (Chang, 1/22).

Scientific American: Prior Dengue Infection Protects Children against Zika Symptoms
“…Children with prior dengue infection had 38 percent less risk of showing symptoms when infected with Zika than those who were dengue-free. … The study was an epidemiological survey to determine if cross-protection was present, but it was not designed to uncover a mechanism for how that protection works, says one of the paper’s co-authors, Lionel Gresh, a molecular biologist currently working for the Pan American Health Organization…” (Ponchner, 1/23).

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