New and Reemerging Infectious Diseases

virus persistence, and flaviviral recombination as a mechanism of flaviviral evolution. In addition, data were presented that illustrated the persistence of, and immune modulation by, alphaviruses, which, in concert, allow the virus to replicate while preventing the host from responding to its benefit. Other than the classical techniques of preventing infection, little was mentioned about disease control during this symposium. Control must be based on rapid recognition of early cases, subsequent immunization of persons or animals at risk, or immunization of persons or animals with the potential to be at risk, such as travelers, laboratory personnel, and attending clinicians. Attendees learned about diverse methods being used to develop vaccines. Representatives from the World Health Organization explained that organization’s plans for responding to disease emergence and for preventing zoonotic diseases from reaching human populations. New paradigms for field studies of zoonotic diseases are necessary. These approaches must include longitudinal and in-depth investigations of agent, host, habitat, and environment if we are to predict risk and respond in an appropriate manner. At this time, zoonotic disease control comprises prevention and public education and not much more. Progress is being made in rapid diagnosis, production of sophisticated vaccines, and understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which zoonotic viruses persist and cause disease. Most of the papers presented will be published in a special issue of Archives of Virology.