Scientists at the KU Leuven Rega Institute have developed a new vaccine against the Zika virus. This vaccine should prevent the virus from causing microcephaly and other serious conditions in unborn babies.
In 2015 and 2016, the world was shocked by the sudden and massive outbreak of the Zika virus in Latin America. "The Zika virus is transmitted by the tiger mosquito and, in most cases, the patient experiences no or only mild symptoms," says Professor Johan Neyts.
"But when a pregnant woman contracts the virus, this can affect the brain development of the foetus. It can lead to microcephaly - whereby the infant has a smaller-than-average head - but also mental and other severe health issues"
The outbreak of the virus in Latin America is currently under control. ...
