According to news reports, several rapid assays are being developed for Zika. Some test for Zika RNA rather than IgM. Although there is enthusiasm in the lay press, substantial obstacles must be surmounted before rapid RNA testing for Zika can become a reality. Rapid tests historically have proven to be somewhat problematic, particularly once the test is released from study conditions and put in the hands of clinicians. In some scenarios, the presence of DNA or RNA of a particular virus or bacterium has little or no correlation with clinical disease. Getting a rapid result can reduce anxiety. However, it’s likely that rapid results will need to be confirmed by other methods at the CDC. There is no specific treatment for Zika infection. Immediate results may be desirable but are not critical to Zika management. Much will depend on the cost and accuracy characteristics of rapid tests when they are developed.

As is true of most issues in medicine, the primary task for the clinician is educational rather than medical. This includes educating not just our patients but also ourselves and the staff at our facilities. EIDs will continue to be a serious issue for this and the next generation of emergency physicians. Although not as clinically dramatic, Zika represents a significantly greater risk to the health of our patients than the recent Ebola outbreak due to the risk of fetal abnormalities. Travel history outside of the United States or to specific outbreak areas should be a routine part of the ED intake process. The Zika virus outbreak is another opportunity for EDs to be educators, refine our approach to EIDs, and enhance the health of our communities.

Dr. Hogan is director of the TeamHealth National Academic Consortium and director of education at the TeamHealth West Group.