First International Workshop on Zika Virus Held by Oswaldo Cruz Foundation FIOCRUZ in Northeast Brazil March 2016 - A Meeting Report

Arboviruses, Zika and vaccines-discussed data regarding different circulating arthropod borne viruses in Brazil (such as chikungunya and dengue), new data about Zika virus biology, in vitro models of infection and also strategies for vaccine development; Biology of the virus vector interaction-focused on new findings on virus vector studies, including an evaluation of potential vectors for Zika virus and countermeasures to mosquito control; Clinical-with the intention of discussing the last clinical findings on Zika virus infection and major birth congenital malformations; Diagnosis--plotted new strategies to improve laboratory tests, development of technological products and also a historical update of Zika virus identification in Brazil; Epidemiology--this session was designed to provide an update on the clinical epidemiological studies under development in Brazil, with a presentation of the data on a case-control investigation of microcephaly cases and cohort studies. [...]advances and new approaches for mosquito control were presented in the session and challenging aspects for the implementation of control measures discussed, taking into account the socio-economical and environmental conditions of urban areas in Brazil. Since its introduction in Brazil, Zika virus infection has spread rapidly through the tropical Americas and we hypothesize that sequential flaviviruses exposures can represent a complicating factor for its spread, especially in Brazil where rates for prior dengue infection are extremely high.