Experimental zika virus vaccines
Vaccines protect fetuses from Zika infection, mouse study shows
Mothers vaccinated prior to pregnancy bore young with no sign of virus

Shown is a digitally colorized transmission electron microscopic image of Zika virus. A new study in mice shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. The findings offer evidence that an effective vaccine administered prior to pregnancy can protect vulnerable fetuses from Zika infection and resulting injury.
Credit: Cynthia Goldsmith/CDC
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary:
Zika virus can cause severe brain damage in people infected before birth. A new study in mice shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. The findings offer the first evidence that an effective vaccine administered prior to pregnancy can protect vulnerable fetuses from Zika infection and resulting injury.