Cyrus Saleem

Researchers at the University of Florida and several peer institutions have developed a model mapping the spread of Zika virus in the Americas and predicting that the virus arrived in Brazil in late 2013 or early 2014 before spreading throughout the region. The model also projects the number of microcephaly cases that will occur by the end of the year, with hundreds of cases in Mexico, Haiti and Colombia, and thousands of cases in Brazil due to Zika virus infection.

A mathematical model of cholera transmission in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake suggests that current approaches to cholera control and elimination, which focus primarily on improving sanitation, are not likely to solve the problem. However, eradication of cholera is possible with use of oral cholera vaccine.

A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences molecular biologist has found Zika RNA in a type of mosquito not often associated with the virus.

Dr. J. Glenn Morris spoke about the importance of research and science education at the state capitol Wednesday, rallying with the Florida Board of Governors and officials from all 12 of Florida’s public universities to support the launch of a statewide initiative advocating the importance of safety, research, and education at Florida’s universities.

Study findings could aid in interrupting transmission chains and reducing severe illness

Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera visited the Emerging Pathogens Institute Thursday to speak with an interdisciplinary team of experts on the Zika virus and other infectious diseases that threaten the state of Florida.

New research co-authored by UF EPI’s Dr. Sadie Ryan and graduate student Cat Lippi sheds light on the climate suitability for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos and transmission rates of Zika, chikungunya, and dengue fever.

“Life would not long remain possible in the absence of microbes.”—Louis Pasteur (Father of Microbiology)

A comparison of immune system responses among Haitian malaria patients revealed unique traits among those with the highest risk of transmitting the disease to others. Identifying such patients could lead to a sharp decline in malaria transmission in the country, according to a University of Florida researcher.

University of Florida scientists presented new research Sunday outlining ways to prevent the spread of the Zika and dengue viruses through the development of a Zika vaccine and a focus on spraying indoors to control mosquitoes.