JAMA
May 10, 2016, Vol 315, No. 18
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

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Viewpoint
The Emerging Zika Virus Epidemic in the Americas: Research Priorities FREE
Helen M. Lazear, PhD; Elizabeth M. Stringer, MD; Aravinda M. de Silva, PhD
Excerpt
…CONCLUSIONS
The size of the current ZIKV epidemic, its potential for further spread, and the potential teratogenic effects of this virus require development of ZIKV-specific diagnostic agents and a better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms. The association between ZIKV infection and microcephaly has been the cause of much alarm and has been the driving force behind a substantial public health response and a drive to develop vaccines and antivirals to combat ZIKV infection.
Zika virus represents just the most recent example of an epidemic of vector-borne disease brought about by the introduction of a virus to a new host population and ecological landscape. Although current research priorities must focus on the immediate need to develop specific diagnostic tools and understand the teratogenic potential of ZIKV, public health efforts to address the current epidemic must be informed by experience with previous outbreaks of viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.