Five UCF scientists are receiving a total of $1.3 million from the state to advance their Zika research projects.
Among them are two College of Medicine researchers who received $500,000 to study how the Zika virus, and the saliva from the mosquitoes that carry it, interact with our immune system.
They are among 34 groups in Florida to receive a piece of $25 million in state funds that Gov. Rick Scott OK’s last year for Zika vaccine development, testing methods and understanding the long-term impact of the virus.
The grants were awarded through a competitive process through the state health department and based on recommendations by the Biomedical Research Advisory Council.
“While we’re currently in winter months when Zika is not as prevalent, we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to help protect pregnant women and their developing babies,” Scott said in a news release on Feb. 1.
University of Miami received the highest amount for $13 million. University of Florida, Florida International University, Florida State University and University of South Florida received more than $2 million each. Other awardees, including Moffitt Cancer Center and The Scripps Research Institute received about $200,000 each.
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Since early last year, when the Zika virus arrived in Florida, 1,329 local and travel-related cases have been confirmed in the state. Four of those cases have been confirmed this year so far.
According to the state, 224 pregnant women in Florida have tested positive for Zika. It’s not clear how many of them acquired the virus locally.
As of Jan. 25, there were 4,930 Zika cases confirmed in the United States, including 1,347 pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For a breakdown of funded Zika research projects click here.
nmiller@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5158, @naseemmiller
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