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Published on: August 23, 2016
Epidemiology of Zika
1Caribbean Travel Medicine Clinic, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is the latest 'emerging virus' that has affected the Americas. First identified in the mid-20th century in Uganda, it was described as a vector arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) and subsequently found capable of producing illness in humans. The illness was not different from other flavivirus infections and caused a relatively mild disease characterized by low-grade fever, nonspecific exanthem, nonpurulent conjunctivitis, and mild to moderate arthralgia. It was capable of producing infections described as sporadic isolated cases; in 2007, it was confirmed as the pathogen causing the first known ZIKV epidemic subsequently associated with congenital neonatal microcephaly in many countries in the Americas.
Recent Findings:
It rapidly spread to other countries in the Americas and, as of September 2016, it has been detected in 46 countries and territories. Different from other flavivirus infections, ZIKV has proven to be related to more serious complications. These include Guillain-Barré syndrome and neonatal congenital malformations, which includes microcephaly and neurologic damage to the developing fetus, particularly if the maternal infection occurs early in pregnancy. These two complications are a cause of great concern.
Summary:
It is pivotal to conduct epidemiological laboratory-based surveillance and studies on the virus' inherent characteristics to understand the pathophysiology of this infection and develop adequate strategies to mitigate this new threat.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged in the Americas, causing mild illness initially. It is now linked to severe complications like microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, necessitating urgent surveillance and research.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Epidemiology
- * Public Health
Background:
- * Zika virus (ZIKV), an arbovirus first identified in Uganda, has emerged as a significant public health concern in the Americas.
- * Initially causing mild, flu-like symptoms similar to other flavivirus infections, ZIKV has demonstrated a capacity for more severe neurological complications.
- * The virus's spread has been rapid, impacting numerous countries and territories.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the emergence and impact of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas.
- * To highlight the association of ZIKV with severe neonatal malformations and neurological disorders.
- * To emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and research into ZIKV pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review of ZIKV emergence and clinical manifestations.
- * Analysis of epidemiological data regarding ZIKV spread and associated complications.
- * Synthesis of current understanding of ZIKV-related diseases.
Main Results:
- * ZIKV has spread extensively across the Americas since its initial identification.
- * ZIKV infection is associated with severe outcomes, including congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- * Maternal ZIKV infection early in pregnancy poses a significant risk for fetal neurological damage.
Conclusions:
- * Zika virus (ZIKV) represents a serious and evolving public health threat.
- * The link between ZIKV and severe congenital malformations and neurological damage is a major concern.
- * Epidemiological surveillance and further research into ZIKV's characteristics are crucial for developing mitigation strategies.
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