This white paper was initially posted in May 2016 and has been updated as of Sept. 2022.
Zika virus was first identified in 1947 and prior to 2007 was only associated with sporadic cases. In 2016, WHO declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern. The clinical presentation in symptomatic patients is non-specific and overlaps with other arbovirus infections. This white paper provides guidance on laboratory testing of Zika virus. The updated version includes additional background information, general guidance on diagnostic laboratory testing, testing scenarios, additional considerations for reporting and biosafety guidance. It was jointly developed by ASM’s Laboratory Practices Subcommittee (LPS) and the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology’s (PASCV) Clinical Practice Committee.
Contact Information
ASM's Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee, clinmicro@asmusa.org