ZIKA VIRUS: A CHALLENGE FOR HUMANS

Zika virus infection is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, usually causing rash, mild fever, conjunctivitis, and muscle pain. First time the virus was isolated in 1947 in the Zika forest in Uganda. It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Symptoms are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same type of mosquito. Autoimmune and Neurological complications are infrequent. Treatment consists of relieving pain, fever, and any other symptom that inconveniences the patient. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, rest, and control the fever. Thus far, there is no vaccine for the virus. But since it is a self-remitting disease, a person can be hopeful of being cured within a week or two, and the treatment is usually symptomatic. This review covers about the Zika virus; epidemiology and guidelines issued by the health ministry for control and prevention of Zika infections.