Existing drug could be the cure for Zika

DRUGS that are already on the market could be used to beat the Zika virus.

Researchers have found compounds that can stop Zika spreading in the body. Others could prevent babies being born with tiny heads and brain defects.

One of the drugs, niclosamide, is widely used to treat tapeworm.

Prof Hongjun Song, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, said: “It takes years, if not decades, to develop a new drug. We don’t have time, so we chose to screen existing drugs.”

Further tests are needed to find the best treatment but the crucial drug could be prescribed today.

Work to beat Zika became urgent following last year’s outbreak in South America.

The new breakthrough findings are published in the journal Nature Medicine.