Zika: Old virus, new challenges

Even though Zika is not a new virus, this recent outbreak has brought forth many new challenges and questions. Our partners and colleagues within the public health community are working hard to better understand this outbreak and its effects while also trying to control its spread. As in any outbreak, public health laboratories play a vital role in disease detection and surveillance.

Last updated February 25, 2016

Twelve public health laboratories are testing for Zika – this number will be growing over the next few weeks as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rolls out the testing protocol to more laboratories. Additionally, CDC is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop the emergency use authorization (EUA) that would enable distribution of test kits. This will allow public health laboratories to more quickly implement testing.

Zika fact sheets, guidance and other general information:

• CDC Zika main page
• WHO Zika virus fact sheet
• NIH Zika virus information and resources
• CDC guidance for health care providers (including new guidance for those caring for pregnant women and on the prevention of sexually transmitted Zika virus)
• CDC guidance for state and local public health laboratories

Best way to prevent Zika? Prevent mosquito bites. Here’s how:

• Vector-borne disease vs chemicals in bug spray: Weighing the risks (APHL)
• Mosquito bite prevention (Mayo Clinic)
• Mosquito Control (EPA)
• Safety of the insect repellent DEET in pregnancy (NIH)

What we’re reading about Zika:

• Do You Know What ‘Vector’ And ‘Endemic’ Mean? We Can Help — Sort Of (NPR)
• Unraveling the Zika Virus Mystery: Lessons Learned from Another Flavivirus (HealthMap)
• Short Answers to Hard Questions About Zika Virus (New York Times)
• Scientists Seek Answers to Zika in Other Viruses (New York Times)
• Ride With the Mosquito Hunters Protecting the US Against Zika (WIRED)