Emergence of Zika Virus Infection

Zika, a flavivirus transmitted mainly by mosquitoes in the genus Aedes, was discovered in 1947 in Uganda. From the 1960s to 1980s, human infections were found across Africa and Asia, typically accompanied by mild illness. The first reported large outbreak occurred in 2007 on Yap Island, Federated States of Micro­nesia.The second and largest ZIKV outbreak occurred in French Polynesia in 2013/2014.The symptoms of Zika virus infection may last up to one week and include a maculopapular rash, fever, joint and muscle pain, and conjunctivitis. Pre­vious outbreaks in the Pacific Islands and the current outbreak have revealed a potential association with neu­rologic illnesses such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.The diagnosis of Zika virus infection is based on results of serum polymerase chain reaction or serologic test­ing. Acetaminophen can be used to relieve the fever and pain associated with infection.