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Review
. 2016 Jun;27(2):111-5.
doi: 10.1007/s13337-016-0307-y. Epub 2016 Feb 20.

Zika virus outbreak: an overview of the experimental therapeutics and treatment

Shailendra K Saxena  1 , Asif Elahi  1 , Srinivasulu Gadugu  1 , Anil K Prasad  1
Affiliations
Review

Zika virus outbreak: an overview of the experimental therapeutics and treatment

Shailendra K Saxena et al. Virusdisease. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a new emerging threat around the globe which might be responsible for microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome in the infants. Recently, ZIKV outbreak has caused a public health crisis in Brazil after being linked to a sharp increase in birth defects. ZIKV is ssRNA virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae. It is mainly transmitted by mosquito bite specifically Aedes species and disease symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, rash, conjunctivitis, and headache. The reservoir of ZIKV is still not known. Protection at personal level by avoiding mosquito bite would help to reduce the incidence of the disease. Control of ZIKV infection by vaccination or antiviral drug either from modern, complementary and alternative medicines may be considered to be one of the most effective strategies in the long run. Large scale immunization of susceptible human population is highly required to prevent this deadly disease. Attempts should be made as soon as possible to develop effective vaccines or antiviral to prevent ZIKV infection. This article provides a current overview of the experimental therapeutics and treatment options based on modern, complementary and alternative medicines.

Keywords: Aedes species; Infectious disease; Microcephaly; Risk assessment and prevention; Treatment; Zika virus.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Infographic exhibiting anticipated Zika virus replication cycle. Zika virus may hijack host cell machinery to facilitate viral replication like other Flaviviruses
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Infographic exhibiting available options and recommendations for the treatment of Zika virus infection. The presentation includes an overview of the experimental therapeutics and treatment based on complementary and alternative medicines
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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