An infection biologist gets a home-grown reminder of the importance of her research.

Guest contributor Maiara Severo

About nine months ago, I got a text message. It was my sister, asking me if I knew anything about a disease called Zika. It made sense — I have a PhD in medical entomology. As we texted, my sister seemed alarmed. There were a few rumors that Zika was spreading into the north east of Brazil – where she and I are from and where she is still based – but no one really knew what to think or do about it. She asked me if she needed to take precautions of any kind. I told her not to worry too much, just avoid being out around dawn time, and to wear long pants, socks and perhaps a cardigan whenever possible. I couldn’t tell her to simply use repellents. She was trying to get pregnant. Continue reading →