A Review on Zika Virus: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Clinical Outcomes
Rhoda Nwalozie *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Roseanne Adah Ikpeama
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Brenda Anyakwe Nnokam
Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Rose Mary Kaiso Esiere
Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, the Zika virus is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Zika virus infection was originally thought to be a mild and self-limiting illness when it was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. Infection in pregnant women, causes serious congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly, a condition marked by an abnormally small head and brain size, was only discovered in 2015 as a result of a significant outbreak in Brazil. Since then, the Zika virus has caused on-going outbreaks throughout the globe, raising serious concerns about public health. Despite significant research efforts, there is currently no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection, and mosquito control and safe sexual behaviour continue to be the major ways to cut down on transmission. It is crucial to maintain surveillance and study in order to comprehend the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes of Zika virus infection and to create efficient prevention and treatment plans.
Keywords: Zika virus, aedes, mosquito, public health, infection