Zika virus in the shadows: an underrecognized contributor to Nigeria's febrile disease landscape.

Abstract

Background: Zika virus (Orthoflavivirus zikaense), a mosquito-borne virus in the family Flaviviridae and genus Orthoflavivirus, has garnered international attention due to its neurological and congenital impacts. Although endemic to Africa, its presence in Nigeria remains poorly understood and often overshadowed by other febrile illnesses such as malaria and dengue. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 to explore the epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, and public health implications of ZIKV in Nigeria.

Materials and methods: A narrative synthesis of studies reporting ZIKV infection in Nigeria was conducted using targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed articles in English reporting serological or molecular data from human or vector populations.

Results: Evidence from eleven studies across ten states shows seroprevalence of ZIKV ranging from 1.4% to over 50%, particularly among pregnant women and febrile patients. Diagnostic gaps, including symptom overlap and serological cross-reactivity, contribute to underreporting. Co-endemicity with other arboviruses and limited surveillance further obscure ZIKV's public health impact.

Conclusion: ZIKV likely circulates silently in Nigeria, sustained by ecological and infrastructural factors. Fragmented vector control, inadequate diagnostics, and lack of integrated arboviral surveillance hinder timely recognition. Lessons from other Aedes-borne viruses should inform a more unified and proactive national strategy.