Tracing the Origin, Spread, and Molecular Evolution of Zika Virus in Puerto Rico, 2016-2017

We reconstructed the 2016-2017 Zika virus epidemic in Puerto Rico by using complete genomes to uncover the epidemic's origin, spread, and evolutionary dynamics. Our study revealed that the epidemic was propelled by multiple introductions that spread across the island, intricate evolutionary patterns, and approximate to 10 months of cryptic transmission.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the 2016-2017 Zika virus epidemic in Puerto Rico was driven by multiple introductions, spreading across the island, complex evolutionary patterns, and approximately 10 months of cryptic transmission.