As global concerns about the Zika virus grows, RTI International wants to find out if it can be transmitted through the air by coughing and snzeezing. RTI is funding the study.

“Results from this study will help improve the understanding of aerosol transmission of Zika virus and guide investment decisions towards necessary prevention and intervention strategies,” RTI says.

RTI researchers say they will over the next three months study if Zika can survive in respiratory, oral and salivary environments.

The study also will seek to discover whether the cells from the oral and respiratory tract allow for propagation.

Plus, the researchers want to find out how long the virus can persist in saliva. 

“Zika is only the latest example of the recurring pattern of new and emerging global health threats,” said Jean Kim, a  research microbiologist at RTI who is the project’s principal investigator. “Through our research, we hope to advance our understanding of emerging transmission mechanisms of infectious viruses so we can more easily combat future viruses.”

Zika has been confirmed as being transmitted by the Aedes mosquito when an insect bites an infected person and then transfer the virus via its saliva glands.

Sexual intercourse also has been identified recently as another means of transmission.

RTI scientists have previously participated in research of Ebola and other similar viruses that can be spread through “aerosol transmission.”