title: [Several issues on the epidemiology of Zika virus disease].
abstract: Zika virus belongs to Aedes mosquito-borne flavivirus. In response to the current cluster of congenital malformations (microcephaly) and other neurological complications (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) that could be linked to Zika virus infection, WHO declares that Zika virus is of global public health importance. Data sources were from peer review articles and WHO documents. The sources of Zika virus infection would include patients, people with asymptomatic infections and primates. The infectious period of Zika virus remains unclear. However, according to the period that RNA of Zika virus can be positively detected in blood, saliva, urine or semen, we can presume that the communicable period may last for 2 months or even longer. Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans by infected Aedes spp. mosquitoes. Presumptive vertical, blood or sexual routes of transmission have been reported. More evidence indicated the existence of a cause-effect relationship between Zika virus infection and congenital microcephaly/Guillain-Barre syndrome. Strategies include successful control the amount of mosquitoes and minimize the contacts between mosquitoes and human beings could effectively prevent the Zika virus transmission. Other preventive measures as cutting off vertical, blood or sexual routes of transmission should also be adopted. The epidemiology of Zika virus remains uncertain which calls for further research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.
authors.forename: Guiyang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
authors.forename: Yingying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D000071244:Zika Virus; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*