Zika virus epidemic to last 'another three years'
Conclusion
This modelling study aimed to explore the trends of the current Zika epidemic and use this data to predict the future spread of the virus.
From the analysis, the main predictions were that the current epidemic will largely be over in three years, with seasonal variation based on mosquito populations. Additionally, once the current epidemic is over, there will be a delay of at least a decade before another large Zika virus epidemic.
However, as the researchers acknowledge, with any modelling study the results are based on data available and some assumptions. There is a great deal of uncertainty that comes with predicting potential future trends of disease.
For example, it's difficult to foresee climate change or predict how preventative interventions, mosquito control, or population behaviour may affect their predictions.
Additionally, this analysis was only able to look at trends in Latin America. This means the predictions may not be applicable to other parts of the world, such as Asia, and the figures represent estimates, rather than exact numbers.
Links To The Headlines Zika epidemic to last another three years as 'too late' to control it, say researchers. The Daily Telegraph, July 14, 2016
Zika epidemic will end in three years, study suggests. BBC News, July 14 2016
Zika epidemic could burn itself out in three years as people become immune say experts. Mirror Online, July 14 2016
Is the Zika epidemic nearly over? Disease to burn out in the next 2 years b...
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