It is an infection caused by a virus of the Flavivirus family. It mainly affects areas of South America and Africa, its spread is growing and may become a worldwide epidemic (pandemic).
This infection is caused by the Zika virus transmitted by mosquito bites. Infections have been described by contact with infected blood, sexual transmission and maternal-fetal transmission.
In adults, it manifests with non-specific symptoms such as mild headache, fever, malaise and joint pain. It may also be accompanied by skin rash and red eyes due to the involvement of the ocular conjunctiva. Symptoms usually last between 2 and 7 days.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination; it is confirmed by blood tests.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment.
It is considered a risk infection if infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, due to possible complications for the fetus such as microcephaly.
- A. Desiree LaBeaud. Zika virus infection: An overview. UpToDate. Octubre 2016
- Edward RB McCabe. Zika virus infection: Evaluation and management of pregnant women. UpToDate. Octubre 2016
- Musso D. Zika Virus. Clin Microbiol Rev 2016; 29:487.
- Anderson KB. The Emergence of Zika Virus: A Narrative Review. Ann Intern Med 2016; 165:175.
- Focosi D. Zika Virus: Implications for Public Health. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:227.
- Mlakar J. Zika Virus Associated with Microcephaly. N Engl J Med 2016; 374:951.
