2015 16 Zika virus epidemic

2015–16 Zika virus epidemic

Zika virus structure.png Structure of the Zika virus
Disease	[[Zika virus|Zika virus]]
Virus strain	[[Zika virus|Zika virus]]
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date	2015–2016
Confirmed cases	Over 1.5 million
Deaths	0 directly attributed
This disease outbreak related article is a stub.

The 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic was a significant outbreak of the Zika virus that primarily affected regions in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of North America. The epidemic was notable for its rapid spread and its association with severe birth defects, particularly microcephaly, in newborns.

Background

The Zika virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus, which also includes dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The virus was first identified in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda, but it remained relatively obscure until the large outbreaks in the Pacific Islands in 2007 and 2013.

Epidemic Overview

The epidemic began in early 2015 in Brazil, where health officials noticed an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in newborns. By the end of 2015, the virus had spread to several countries in the Americas. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on February 1, 2016, due to its association with neurological disorders and congenital malformations.

Transmission

The primary mode of transmission of the Zika virus is through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, the virus can also be transmitted through:

• Sexual transmission
• Blood transfusion
• From mother to fetus during pregnancy

Symptoms

Most people infected with the Zika virus are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they are generally mild and include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Complications

The most severe complication associated with the Zika virus is microcephaly in newborns, a condition where a baby is born with a smaller than normal head, often leading to developmental issues. Other neurological complications include:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Meningoencephalitis
• Myelitis

Response

The response to the epidemic involved multiple strategies, including:

• Vector control measures to reduce mosquito populations
• Public health campaigns to educate the public about prevention
• Research into vaccines and treatments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO provided guidelines for travelers and pregnant women to avoid areas with active Zika transmission.

Research and Development

During the epidemic, significant efforts were made to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus. Several vaccine candidates entered clinical trials, but as of 2023, no vaccine has been licensed for public use.

Aftermath

The epidemic officially ended in 2016, but the Zika virus remains a concern in regions where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is prevalent. Surveillance and research continue to monitor and mitigate the impact of the virus.

Also see

• Zika virus
• Microcephaly
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Aedes aegypti
• Public Health Emergency of International Concern