infectious diseases
ut in the final analysis, it’s about routine surveillance—
B
that’s the capacity and capability that we need to keep
well funded.
Waddell and his colleagues are certainly on the lookout for
potential cases of H7N9, but the more pressing threat on
Arizona’s radar is Zika virus. During the colder months,
flu testing takes up most of the state laboratory’s
virology testing capacity. After flu season, that
capacity is directed full force at mosquito-
borne disease. Due to its geography, the
laboratory already had a robust system
for monitoring arboviruses prior
to Zika, though Zika has added
another layer of complexity
and urgency. As of April, the
laboratory had confirmed 57
cases of travel-associated Zika
virus in the state.
T