PCR can detect the virus as well as identify the type of herpes virus. Because this test is more sensitive than culture, it is useful in circumstances where the virus is present in low numbers (such as viral encephalitis) or if the lesion is several days old.
After a brief stop at Jamaica, Columbus sailed to Central America, arriving at Guanaja (Isla de Pinos) in the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras on 30 July. Here Bartolomeo found native merchants and a large canoe, which was described as being long as a galley and filled with cargo.
Formally named Spanish Honduras, it is currently a Republic. Honduras borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The climate of Honduras varies dramatically depending of the location; it is humid and tropical in the lowlands, and more cool and temperate in the mountains. These contrasting climates make Honduras an epicenter of biodiversity. The scarlet macaw is the National bird of Honduras, and the country is reputed to have over 700 different species of birds.