Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus (genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae) transmitted mainly by day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes
- First identified in 1947 in Zika Forest, Uganda, in a rhesus monkey; human cases were confirmed in the 1950s in Africa.
Other Ways of Transmission
- It can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Common Symptoms
- Low-grade fever, maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle and joint pain, headache, malaise.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: RT-PCR (early), serology (IgM/IgG) as per guidelines.
- Treatment: No specific antiviral, no licensed vaccine; supportive care only.
Source: The Hindu