Zika Virus in the Americas: A Review for Clinicians

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Zika virus, first identified in 1947 in Uganda, remained a sporadic infection until a major outbreak in Micronesia in 2007.
• Subsequent outbreaks in French Polynesia (2013) and Brazil (2015) marked its emergence as a significant global health concern.
• The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

Observation:

• The 2015 Brazil outbreak led to explosive spread throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean.
• A notable increase in microcephaly cases in infants born to infected mothers was observed.
• Temporal association with an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome cases was also noted.

Findings:

• The rapid dissemination of Zika virus in the Americas prompted a public health emergency declaration by the World Health Organization.
• Confirmed link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in newborns.
• Association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Implications:

• Zika virus poses a significant risk to the United States due to the presence of Aedes mosquito vectors.
• Clinicians require updated information on clinical features and management of Zika virus infection.
• Public health strategies are needed to control mosquito vectors and prevent further spread.