All Posts Infectious Diseases Public Health Preparedness & Response

Zika: Old virus, new challenges

Zika: Old virus, new challenges | www.APHLblog.org

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:

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

What we’re reading about Zika:

Leave a Comment

Subscribe to get updates delivered to your inbox.