Chapter 3 - Zika Virus

Abstract

For decades after its discovery, Zika virus (ZIKV) disease manifestations were mild. When ZIKV’s African strain, discovered in 1947, spread to the Pacific, severe Zika-associated disease was seen in some people. In 2014, a large outbreak of the Asian strain occurred in South America, causing miscarriages and neurological disease in fetuses and infants of mothers infected while pregnant. Children surviving birth often develop severe disease, including microcephaly, retardation, and vision abnormalities. Some infected adults develop Guillain–Barré syndrome, another acute or chronic neurological condition that affects skeletal muscle activity, including the inability to stand. The major vectors for ZIKV are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The former is the most common host and lives near and feeds upon humans. Ae. albopictus is a potential threat in more temperate regions, due to its increasing adaptation to cooler temperatures. Transmission may also occur transplacentally or sexually.