title: Zika virus: A rapidly emerging infectious disease.
abstract: Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted to humans via the bite of infected mosquitoes. A recent outbreak in Brazil has spread to several surrounding countries, and the virus also has been reported in the United States. The virus is associated with microcephaly among newborns whose mothers were infected. Because no vaccine or treatment is available, efforts have focused on preventing mosquito bites and advising pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant to avoid active areas of Zika virus transmission. Clinicians should understand the infection, its diagnosis and testing, and monitor pregnant women for travel history to outbreak regions and for the presence of clinical symptoms. Patient education on preventive measures offers the best option to avoid Zika virus infection.
authors.affiliation: Roy A. Borchardt is supervisor of advanced practice providers in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tex. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Roy A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Borchardt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000821:virology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States; D000071244:Zika Virus; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection