A Literature Review of Zika Virus

Abstract

Zika virus is a mosquitoborne flavivirus that is the focus of an ongoing pandemic and public health emergency. Previously limited to sporadic cases in Africa and Asia, the emergence of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015 heralded rapid spread throughout the Americas. Although most Zika virus infections are characterized by subclinical or mild influenza-like illness, severe manifestations have been described, including Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers. Neither an effective treatment nor a vaccine is available for Zika virus; therefore, the public health response primarily focuses on preventing infection, particularly in pregnant women. Despite growing knowledge about this virus, questions remain regarding the virus's vectors and reservoirs, pathogenesis, genetic diversity, and potential synergistic effects of co-infection with other circulating viruses. These questions highlight the need for research to optimize surveillance, patient management, and public health intervention in the current Zika virus epidemic.

Keywords: Aedes; Zika virus; arbovirus; craniofacial abnormalities; emerging infectious diseases; flavivirus; microcephaly; mosquitoes; review literature as topic; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure 1

Cases of laboratory-confirmed, imported Zika virus infections in the United States, by state, January 1, 2015–February 10, 2016 (10). All cases are imported, with the exception of 2 sexually acquired autochthonous cases (11,12).

Figure 2

All countries and regions reporting laboratory-confirmed autochthonous Zika virus cases, January 1, 2015–February 10, 2016 (Technical Appendix Table 2). Data represent outbreaks and case reports for all reported autochthonous laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus infection, including those reported in the peer-reviewed literature; public health agency Web sites, bulletins, and broadcasts; and media reports for selected dates.

Figure 3

South America, Central America, and Caribbean countries and regions reporting laboratory-confirmed autochthonous Zika virus disease cases during January 1, 2015–February 10, 2016 (Technical Appendix Table 2). Data represent outbreaks and case reports for all reported autochthonous laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in these countries and regions during January 1, 1952–February 10, 2016, including those reported in peer-reviewed literature; public health agency Web sites, bulletins, and broadcasts; and media reports.