Zika virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus, transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. First identified in Uganda in the Zika Forest in 1947, Zika virus is related to dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile virus. While it is mainly spread through mosquitoes, Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, from pregnant women to their fetuses, and through blood transfusion.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are generally mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Symptoms typically last for 2-7 days. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika virus infection, and care is generally supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms. Patients are often advised to get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and take medicine such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain.

Transmission

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which bites during the day. These mosquitoes can also transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. Zika can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy, leading to certain birth defects such as microcephaly. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, and it is recommended to use protection or abstain from sex if there is a risk of Zika virus infection.

Prevention

Prevention and control rely on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people. This is achieved by using insect repellent, wearing clothes (preferably light-colored) that cover as much of the body as possible, using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors, and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important for people traveling to areas where Zika is present to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Epidemiology

Since its discovery, Zika virus has been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. The largest outbreak of Zika virus disease in history occurred from 2015 to 2016 in the Americas, leading to widespread concern due to the virus's possible association with microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The World Health Organization declared the end of the Zika virus emergency in November 2016, but it remains a significant public health challenge in many areas.

Research

Research on Zika virus has intensified since the 2015-2016 outbreak, focusing on understanding the virus's pathology, developing vaccines, and finding effective treatments. Several vaccine candidates are in various stages of development, but as of now, no vaccine is available for public use.