Epidemiology, Driving Factors, Transmission and Control Options of Zika Virus: A Review

Getahun Asebe Gulich

Abstract

Now days, the threats of infectious diseases particularly that emerges and or re-emerges is increasing. The main sources of emerging and re-emerging diseases originated from both wild and domestic animals. From few years onwards, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, Rift Valley fever, Influenza, Ebola, and so like, become the risks of the world. This paper deals about the recently re-merged diseases known as Zika fever. This disease is caused by a virus known as flavivirus and carried from one individual to another through a mosquito called Aedes causes this disease. The viral epidemiology covers the Americans, Africa, Asia and the pacific. Though not all the reservoir hosts are clearly identified, authors in general agreed the primates are the main reservoirs. Researchers tried to identify the driving factors of Zika virus infection as climatic condition, presence of vectors, the environmental ecology, travelling histories, urbanization and so like. Individual persons infected by Zika virus will show symptoms such as mild fever, rashes on the skin, inflammation of conjunctiva, pain on the muscle and joint, headache. The symptoms may normally stay from the minimum day 2 to twelve days. Currently the disease has no treatment and viral prevention; only it relies on the protection of the mosquito bite. Special precaution steps should be taken in cases of pregnant women and who intend to recently pregnant.

Relevant Publications in Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy