BOCA RATON, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida research company is offering monetary compensation in exchange for the blood of patients infected with the Zika virus in hopes of finding a vaccine.
“The blood samples are being tested for Zika antibodies,” said Emily Sherman of Plasma MedResearch.
Plasma MedResearch is searching for individuals who may have been exposed to the Zika virus. “You all of a sudden are feeling like you have flu-like symptoms,” said Dr. Paul Goldenberg of Plasma MedResearch, “achy, low-grade temperature, that you get yourself checked out.”
The Boca Raton based company is doing free screenings at their office. They have also partnered with several Miami doctors who are conducting Zika-related research. “We’re looking for patients who have the Zika virus in the South Florida area,” Sherman said. “We’re compensating patients between $50 to $300. It depends on how much blood they’re donating.”
The company hopes to achieve a medical breakthrough. “The more patients we have, the faster this process will be in order to develop a vaccine and to help us understand the disease more,” Goldenberg said.
Once the blood is processed, it’s shipped to labs all over the country for diagnostics and vaccine and treatment research. “We need those blood samples to make a difference in the medical community,” Sherman said.
“I think the public can be assured that we’re going to continue this, and the vaccine is on it’s way,” Goldenberg said.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to the Zika virus, Plasma MedResearch would like a sample of your blood. For more information, go to: http://www.plasmamed.com/patients.html.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.