A Review on Zika Virus: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

A single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, the Zika virus is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Zika virus infection was originally thought to be a mild and self-limiting illness when it was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. Infection in pregnant women, causes serious congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly, a condition marked by an abnormally small head and brain size, was only discovered in 2015 as a result of a significant outbreak in Brazil. Since then, the Zika virus has caused on-going outbreaks throughout the globe, raising serious concerns about public health. Despite significant research efforts, there is currently no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection, and mosquito control and safe sexual behaviour continue to be the major ways to cut down on transmission. It is crucial to maintain surveillance and study in order to comprehend the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes of Zika virus infection and to create efficient prevention and treatment plans.