Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Understanding Zika virus
1Global Health Consultant, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
Pediatric healthcare professionals need to understand Zika virus (ZIKV), an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by mosquitoes and sexual contact. Prevention through avoiding bites and supportive care are key as no vaccine or specific treatment exists.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne, single-stranded RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family.
- First discovered nearly 70 years ago, ZIKV transmission occurs primarily through Aedes mosquito bites, but also vertically from mother to fetus and via sexual contact.
- While most ZIKV infections are asymptomatic, symptomatic cases present with mild, self-limited symptoms like fever, rash, and conjunctivitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform pediatric healthcare professionals about essential knowledge regarding Zika virus (ZIKV).
- To highlight the transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and management of ZIKV relevant to pediatric care.
- To emphasize the importance of prevention strategies in the absence of a vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ZIKV epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, and prevention.
- Synthesis of current understanding of ZIKV for a pediatric healthcare audience.
- Focus on practical implications for clinical practice and patient guidance.
Main Results:
- ZIKV is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, sexual contact, and vertically during pregnancy.
- Symptomatic ZIKV infection, occurring in about 18% of cases, typically involves mild symptoms such as fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis.
- No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is currently available for ZIKV.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric healthcare providers must stay informed about the evolving understanding of ZIKV.
- Prevention, primarily through avoiding mosquito bites and safe sexual practices, is crucial.
- Supportive care, including rest and hydration, is the recommended management for symptomatic ZIKV infections.
Purpose:
This article describes what pediatric healthcare professionals should know about Zika virus (ZIKV).
Literature Review:
ZIKV is classified as an arthropod-borne, single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family and genus Flavivirus. ZIKV is not new. The virus was first discovered almost 70 years ago in Uganda. The first isolate of the virus was found in rhesus monkeys in the Zika Forrest, hence the nomenclature. The primary route of ZIKV transmission to humans is through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito-primarily Aedes aegypti. When the mosquito bites individuals infected with the virus, mosquitos then become the vector of transmitting the infection to others. Women can also pass ZIKV to their fetus during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. ZIKV can also be transmitted through sexual activity from an individual who is infected with the virus to his or her partners. It is estimated that approximately 18% of individuals infected with ZIKV will go on to develop symptoms. When symptoms develop, it is usually within 3-12 days, although this may vary. Most often, symptoms are mild and self-limited. The most common symptoms are fever, arthralgia, maculopapular rash, and conjunctivitis lasting up to seven days. Less frequent symptoms include headache, vertigo, myalgia, vomiting, and diarrhea. At present, there is no vaccine available to prevent ZIKV and no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care consisting of rest, hydration, analgesics, antihistamines, and antipyretics is recommended as needed. Given that there is no vaccine or treatment for ZIKV, considerable efforts must be focused on prevention. One of the most effective ways of preventing ZIKV infection is through avoiding mosquito bites, especially when traveling to or residing in areas where transmission is present. Precautions should include wearing appropriate attire with the objective of having as little skin exposed as possible, use of screens for windows and doors, and use of insect repellent.
Practice Implications:
What is known about ZIKV changes continually. An infectious threat that was relatively obscure just a few months ago has now become a topic of heightened interest worldwide. Pediatric healthcare professionals must remain cognizant of evolving developments and emerging new evidence.
