Zika Virus: What We Know (And What We Don't)

   The spread of the Zika virus epidemic in the Americas is likely to continue as the competent vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are widely distributed there. There is also a significant increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly in the north-eastern states of Brazil, however, the magnitude and geographical spread of the increase have not yet been well characterised. Despite growing evidence of a link between intra-uterine Zika virus infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, a causal link between these events has not yet been confirmed. As neither treatment nor vaccines are available, prevention is based on personal protection measures similar to the measures that are applied against dengue and chikungunya infections. In the light of the current disease trend – and the possible association with severe complications – public health authorities in EU/EEA Member States should consider the following mitigation options.