Overview of Zika infection, epidemiology, transmission and control measures.
The current Zika virus outbreak in the Americas and the proposed link to increases in microcephaly and neurological disorders have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and potentially by transfusion, perinatal and sexual transmission. The potential for spread into countries where Aedes mosquitoes are endemic is high. Previously, cases tended to be sporadic and associated with mild, non-specific symptoms. Prior outbreaks occurred in Yap Island in Micronesia in 2007, the first time Zika arose outside of Africa and Asia, and in French Polynesia in 2013. A birth data review has confirmed that the latter outbreak was followed by an increase in microcephaly cases. A coordinated international response is needed to address mosquito control; expedite development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and specific treatments for Zika; and address the proposed link to microcephaly and neurological diseases.
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: arabaan@gmail.com.
Ali A
AA
Rabaan
Microbiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Ali M
AM
Bazzi
Specialty Paediatric Medicine, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
Shamsah H
SH
Al-Ahmed
Laboratory Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Mohamed H
MH
Al-Ghaith
Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA.
Jaffar A
JA
Al-Tawfiq
D000330:Aedes / Q000254:growth & development; D000818:Animals; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D008831:Microcephaly / Q000453:epidemiology; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
Control measures; Diagnostic test; Epidemiology; Transmission; ZIKV; Zika infection