A vaccine effective against Zika virus is theoretically possible but may not be delivered anytime soon

Taylor-Robinson, Andrew W

The Zika epidemic is arousing apprehension among the general public just months before the world's attention will focus on Rio de Janeiro for the summer Olympic Games. At present, the advice to pregnant females from non-endemic regions is to not travel to Brazil and surrounding countries. 16 Aside from this immediate concern in Latin America, the increasing media frenzy has fed misinformation with regard to the possible global spread of Zika, and the impact this may have on public health in regions that are currently not affected. 17 As a consequence of global climate change the geographical distribution of A. aegypti, the species of mosquito that is considered to act as the principal vector of Zika transmission, is expanding gradually in tropical and subtropical zones. 3 For non-endemic industrialized nations in North America, Europe, and Australasia, the critical issue is whether or not Zika virus-permissive mosquito populations can adapt for persistence in temperate climates. A more rapid spread of the virus via the intercontinental travel of infected persons is an additional concern, although for Zika to become established in a location distant to an endemic area requires local transmission of the initially imported focus of infection; this is dependent on the availability of the vector. 18 Vertical, sexual, and blood-borne transmission of Zika has been suggested, 19, 20 which, if confirmed, may provide auxiliary routes to enable viral persistence in regions that are not endemic for Aedes mosquitoes. Thus, one recommendation to prevent disease, especially microcephaly, is to practice safe sex in those territories where Zika is reported as endemic. 21 Importantly, the risks should be considered in family planning until such time as the apparent association between viral infection and microcephaly is either confirmed or refuted. 22, 23 Another re-emerging infectious disease