Committee Discusses Scientific and Ecological Aspects of the Zika Virus
(Washington, DC) – Today, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing titled, “The Science of Zika: The DNA of an Epidemic.”
The Zika virus is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aeqypti mosquito. Although the mosquito is the primary way people become infected with Zika, the virus can also be spread through sexual contact, from mother to fetus, and potentially through blood transfusions. Globally, since 2007, the Zika virus has been identified in 66 countries and territories. In February 2016, Zika was declared to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Local transmission of the Zika virus has been reported in several United States territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. In particular, Puerto Rico is undergoing a large outbreak of the Zika virus. As of May 18, 2016, in the continental United States, there have been 544 travel-associated cases of the Zika virus reported, but no locally acquired cases of the Zika virus have been reported so far.
Members and witnesses discussed how the virus is spread; the outstanding scientific research questions about the virus; what is needed by the scientific community to further the research; the current methods we have to control the spread of the virus; emerging technologies that could help control the spread of the virus, such as advanced genetics and biologic techniques; and how to best communicate with the public regarding mosquito control and bite prevention.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said in her opening statement, “Understandably, people are very concerned about this virus and want more information. That is why I am happy we are holding this hearing to learn more about the science behind this disease and to hear more about the key research questions. For example, how is the virus transmitted from mother to fetus and how is the risk to the fetus related to the timing of the mother’s infection? Does Zika cause Guillain-Barré syndrome and if so, is there an intervention that can prevent this terrible condition?
“We also need to know where the vector mosquitoes live, the incubation period of the virus in the mosquito, and whether the infected female can transmit the virus to her eggs.
“Finally, it is perplexing that the Zika virus was first identified in the late 1940s, but we are only seeing major Zika outbreaks now. What has changed in the last 70 years to make conditions more suitable for the virus to be transmitted?
“I imagine that the rapid increase in human travel has played a large role, but I do wonder how much other factors like insecticide resistance and climate change may be playing in the spread of this disease.
“All of these research questions need to be answered as we plan effective mosquito control programs and prepare to invest our resources. But traditional mosquito control programs will not be enough. I am looking forward to hearing from our expert witnesses on how emerging technologies that use advanced genetics and biologic technologies could help control the Zika virus.
“It is also important to note that to support the necessary research, surveillance, mosquito control, and drug and vaccine development programs that will be needed to control this disease, we must ensure that adequate funding is provided. I am hopeful that Congress can come together to provide that funding. Time is of the essence.”
Witnesses
- Dr. Kacey Ernst, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona
- Dr. Daniel Neafsey, Associate Director, Genomic Center for Infectious Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
- Dr. Steven Presley, Professor, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University
- Mr. Hadyn Parry, Chief Executive Officer, Oxitec
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