Abstract. Following the emergence of Zika in the past decade, there are lessons to be learned from similar emergence
events of dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV). Specifically, as Zika emerges in the Americas there is a natural
tendency to apply the knowledge base of DENV and CHIKV to mitigation and control of a virus with such a similar
transmission system. However, there are marked differences that may preclude such broad stroke application of this
knowledge base without making potentially faulty assumptions. Herein, Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission is reviewed, and
the commonalities among these three arboviruses are discussed. Importantly, the divergence of this particular arbovirus is
discussed, as is the need to develop ZIKV-specific knowledge base for mitigation of this disease. Specifically reviewed are
1) emergence and persistence patterns, 2) genetic and phenotypic diversity, 3) vector host range, and finally, 4) alternate
transmission routes and added complexity of ZIKV transmission and presentation.