Researchers: Zika more severe in dengue-prone regions

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A husband-wife researcher duo say they discovered a link between mosquito-borne illnesses.

Michael and Sharon Isern said their focus on two similar viruses, dengue and Zika, suggest that the prevalence and severity of the Zika virus will be worse in places that struggle to fight dengue.

“What we found was that the presence of dengue antibodies does make Zika infection worse in cell culture,” they said. “That may suggest that Zika will not be able to get a foothold here as strongly.”

Still, the pair said people should take the Zika virus seriously.

For more on the Iserns’ research visit biorxiv.org.