Analyzing climate variations at multiple timescales can guide Zika virus response measures GigaScience

The emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2014-2016 occurred during a period of severe drought and unusually high temperatures, conditions that have been associated with the 2015-2016 El Niño event, and/or climate change; however, no quantitative assessment has been made to date. Analysis of related flaviviruses transmitted by the same vectors suggests that ZIKV dynamics are sensitive to climate seasonality and longer-term variability and trends. A better understanding of the climate conditions conducive to the 2014-2016 epidemic may permit the development of climate-informed short and long-term strategies for ZIKV prevention and control. 2016 PMC5053076 OAR (Oceanic and Atmospheric Research) GFDL (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory) PMC https://doi.org/10.1186/s13742-016-0146-1 CC BY 1952