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Scientists reported on Wednesday that they think they have found the "final puzzle piece" for a dengue vaccine that might, at last, be able to stop the deadly mosquito-borne virus that has infected billions since the early 19th century. The experimental vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health, was tested in a small, randomized, double-blind trial on 41 healthy volunteers. Each participant received either a single shot of an experimental vaccine or a placebo and were then infected with a mild form of the virus six months later. All of the 20 people in the placebo group came down with rashes, low white blood cell count and other symptoms of the disease, while none of the 21 vaccinated volunteers became sick and did not have evidence of infection in their blood. (Cha, 3/16)

People suspected of carrying the Zika virus can wait weeks for test results from a federal lab. The wait can be nerve-racking for patients, especially pregnant women, and frustrating for local health officials who can't take precautions to stem potential spreading. (Somerson, 3/16)

The Ohio Department of Health can now test blood samples of people who show symptoms of Zika virus to detect the mosquito-borne illness. "By conducting our own initial Zika virus testing on patients within seven days of symptom onset, we can significantly speed up initial test results for patients who are anxiously waiting on them," ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio said in a news release. (Zeltner, 3/16)