As the mosquito-borne Zika virus spreads through the Caribbean and Central and South America, the World Health Organization has advised that the virus eventually may reach most nations in the Americas. Symptoms of infection are similar to mild dengue fever, but a possible connection with birth defects in affected countries raises concerns about wider virus impacts. What are the risks to the United States? U biology professor and entomologist Jack Longino and infectious disease expert and physician Andy Pavia are available to comment on this emerging disease.

Jack Longino, office 801-587-5683, jacklongino@gmail.com

To reach Andy Pavia, contact Julie Kiefer, office 801-587-1293, cell 801-597-4258, jkiefer@neuro.utah.edu