Late February saw the release of the first hospital-based rapid test for the Zika virus in the United States. The L.E. and Virginia Simmons Collaborative in Virus Detection and Surveillance, a program designed to assist rapid development of virus detection in large metropolitan areas, sponsored the combined effort of Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital. The new tests will provide results within mere hours and can test blood, amniotic fluid, urine or spinal fluid.

“With travel-associated cases of the Zika virus becoming more prevalent in the United States, coupled with the looming increase in mosquito exposure during spring and summer months, we must be prepared for a surge of Zika testing demand. We must provide answers for anxious moms-to-be and families who may experience signs and symptoms or may simply have travel history to endemic areas,” said James Versalovic, M.D., Ph.D., pathologist-in-chief, Texas Children’s Hospital.

The test is able to distinguish between Zika virus and Dengue or West Nile virus infections. Currently, testing is only available at one of the two participating hospitals, but referral testing from other hospitals and clinics will become available in the future. The testing is also currently only available to those who have a positive travel history and either are showing positive symptoms associated with Zika virus or are pregnant. The World Health Organization advises pregnant women to discuss the risks with their doctor before visiting Zika-affected areas.