Globally, the much dreaded Zika virus has finally found a solution in India.
Several pathology labs and diagnostic chains including Dr Lal PathLabs, SRL Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics and Star Imaging came together to procure test kits and discover new technologies to detect the deadly virus.
The detection test for Zika virus which will be out by next month will cost about Rs 4500.
According to reports, “Saliva or urine samples collected during the first three to five days after symptoms onset, or blood serum collected in the first three days, are suitable for detection of Zika virus.”
Other media reports claimed that a Hyderabad-based Bharat Bioltech International Limited (BBIL) has developed two candidate vaccines from an imported live Zika virus.
Dr Krishna Ella, the chairman and managing director of the company told a news agency, “On Zika, we are probably the first vaccine company in the world to file a vaccine candidate patent about nine months ago.”
Dr Ella has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention to fast track the vaccine development, the report added.
World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday declare a global health emergency following Zika Virus outbreak.