It is an infection caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. It mainly affects regions in South America and Africa. It is spreading rapidly and has the potential to become a global epidemic (pandemic).
The infection is caused by the Zika virus, which is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Infection has been reported through blood contact, sexual transmission and mother-to-child transmission.
In adults, it presents with non-specific symptoms such as mild headache, fever, general malaise and joint pain. It may also be accompanied by a skin rash and red eyes due to conjunctivitis. Symptoms usually last from 2 to 7 days.
The diagnosis is made clinically by questioning and physical examination, and confirmed by a blood test.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment.
If it occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is considered a high-risk infection because of the complications for the foetus, 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.
