Research found evidence Zika virus in eyes

A new study has found that Zika virus can live in eyes and has identified genetic material from the virus in tears. The study, in mice, helps explain why some Zika patients develop eye disease including a condition known as ‘uveitis’ which can lead to permanent vision loss. The study describes the effect of Zika virus infection in the eyes of mouse fetuses, newborns and adults. The researchers now are planning complementary studies in human patients infected with the virus. Professor Herbert S. Gasser, one of the senior authors of the study said, “Our study suggests that the eye could be a reservoir for Zika virus. We need to consider whether people with Zika have infectious virus in their eyes and how long it actually persists.” Zika virus causes mild disease in most adults but can cause brain damage and death in fetuses. About a third of all babies infected in utero with Zika show eye disease...