Revisiting Zika (and Rubella)

Abstract

Three months after the World Health Organization declared the epidemic of Zika virus infections to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, we can look back at what we have learned and prospects for controlling the disease. Although Zika virus infections may explain many cases of brain damage in newborns, it may not be the only cause. We need a clear association between confirmed cases of Zika infections in pregnant women and microcephaly in newborns. Until we reach a firm conclusion, past experience with another virus that causes damage to newborns offers some hope. The development and almost universal use of rubella vaccine has all but eliminated the congenital rubella syndrome in the world. Rapid development of Zika virus vaccine might well do the same for this epidemic.