Texas hospitals have reportedly developed a test that detects the Zika virus' genetic material within hours, which would result in faster diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The two Houston medical centers claim their test is the country's first rapid test for Zika.

Researchers from Texas Children's hospital and Houston Methodist hospital released a statement about their findings. It pointed out that Zika virus cases are increasing in the United States and mosquito exposure spikes during the spring and summer seasons, according to The Guardian.

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James Versalovic is the leader of test development team and chief pathologist at Texas Children's hospital. He stated that those factors will cause a rise in Zika testing demand.     

The test is now available at two hospitals. However, the researchers hope it will be used at more medical centers. A spokesperson for the Department of State Health Services has also stated that the agency plans to boost the quality of its own Zika testing by the end of this week.     

The Zika test was designed to reduce the testing time that currently often takes days or weeks.  It would be done by state health agencies or federal groups such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Researchers started working on the new test in January, according to Reuters.

Cases of the Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes have been reported in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. However, the only cases reported in the continental US has been linked to people traveling abroad.

The Zika virus has already spread to over 30 nations and territories including many in the Americas. Brazil has been hit the worst by the Zika outbreak.

This month the United Nations' World Health Organization has announced a global emergency due to the Zika epidemic. It cited a big issue is the birth defect known as microcephaly that results in babies with very small heads.

Researchers are conducting various studies to learn more about Zika. That includes whether the virus causes the condition microcephaly.

Texas Children's Hospital is a non-profit health care organization connected with Baylor College of Medicine. Meanwhile, Houston Methodist serves the Greater Houston area.

This video explains the Zika virus: