Dr. Gregory Poland discusses Zika virus and genetically modified mosquitoes

Recently, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus a highly significant long-term problem rather than a global health emergency crisis. Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, says, “I am concerned that this is a bit premature and sends the wrong message. Summer is just starting in the Southern Hemisphere and we don’t yet know what will happen. I understand why they made the decision – which is to signal the idea that Zika is here to stay and should be viewed more as a chronic issue – much like malaria for example – but the reality is that we are likely to see further spread of this disease into areas not previously affected, including within the U.S., and we still have a lot to learn about this virus and disease."