Neuroepidemiology and the epidemiology of viral infections of the nervous system.

The field of neurovirology will undoubtedly experience evolution and change in the years to come. The epidemiology of viral CNS diseases continues to change, and as our understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology associated with viral agents grows, so does our understanding of the behavior of these pathogens among populations. The appearance of viral pathogens in newsettings, new or unrecognized modes of transmission,and the emergence of previously unrecognized pathogens will continue to challenge our laboratory diagnostic and epidemiologic capabilities. However, each lesson that is learned from this evolving epidemiology will hopefully result in improved surveillance, diagnostic,and treatment and prevention capabilities.