Sometimes science does not move fast enough, despite much hard work and effort. That's true in the case of the Zika virus outbreak currently marching through the Americas. As we report in a collection of stories beginning on Page 26, much remains unclear, including the relationship between Zika infection and microcephaly and how best to combat the mosquitoes that spread the disease. So far, however, evidence does suggest that this little-known (and previously largely ignored) virus may indeed target the nervous system, probably triggering Guillain-Barre syndrome in a small percentage of patients. The virus could even pose as-yet undiscovered health risks that may take years to untangle. While scientists will no doubt eventually be able to answer many of the public's pressing questions, it may be too late for many.
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