Does your pet have fleas? Zika outbreaks could be prevented with the drug to eliminate them
The researchers propose to administer this drug to humans
A study conducted at the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) found that a drug to eliminate fleas and ticks could reduce in 97% the cases of Zika infection, malaria, and other related diseases with insect bites.
Leer en español: ¿Su mascota tiene pulgas? Los brotes de zika podrían prevenirse con la droga para eliminarlas
The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), reveals that isoxazoline, used in veterinary drugs such as Bravecto and NexGard, kills insects such as mosquitoes that feed on human blood and carry infectious diseases. For those who are not familiar, isoxazoline is an effective pesticide to eliminate fleas, ticks and other parasites.
According to the Eurekalert portal, the study consisted of computer models and experimental studies with mosquitoes. The scientists, Koen Dechering and Matt Tremblay, determined that by providing this substance to a third of the population vulnerable to outbreaks of this type of disease and with little infrastructure to care for them, cases could be reduced by up to 97%.
Also read: Humans are not as different from animals as you think
In order to prevent that high percentage of cases of infection, the researchers propose to administer this drug orally to the citizens before the start of the outbreak season – which is sometimes endemic to certain areas. Matt Tremblay, Calibr's chief of operations, says that "isoxazolines could be administered before the onset of outbreaks of seasonal diseases to protect [the population] until the threat diminishes at the end of the season."
The results are good news worldwide, since according to the Pan American Health Organization, Zika spread to 76 countries and approximately 200,000 cases occurred in the American territory. We must remember that there is a relationship between Zika and other diseases. According to the World Health Organization, this virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome in newborns.
LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza
Translated from "¿Su mascota tiene pulgas? Los brotes de zika podrían prevenirse con la droga para eliminarlas"
