Zika Virus: An Emerging Public Health Challenge

• Main Authors: Sumeena Basundra, Ravishekar N Hiremath, Rakesh Khajuria, Sandhya Ghodke
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University 2016-07-01
• Series: Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University
• Subjects: Zika virus (ZIKV); congenital microcephaly; Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
• Online Access: http://www.jkimsu.com/jkimsu-vol5no3/JKIMSU,%20Vol.%205,%20No.%203,%20July-Sept%202016%20Page%205-12.pdf
• ISSN: 2231-4261; 2231-4261

Emerging infectious diseases comprise a substantial proportion of global morbidity and mortality. The world has been hit by Zika virus (ZIKV) after it was able to surmount an effective public health response for its control. ZIKV disease is an emerging mosquitoborne disease which occurred as large outbreaks in Yap since 2007, Polynesia in 2013 and Brazil in 2015. ZIKV infection in pregnant women has been observed to be associated with congenital microcephaly with neurological and autoimmune sequelae in general population of Brazil. The incubation period of ZIKV varies from few days to weeks. Only 20% of infected cases have symptoms like any other arboviral illness. ZIKV is diagnosed using RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples. The treatment comprises of relief of symptoms by conservative management with no specific vaccine being available. The prevention and control of ZIKV is based on reduction of vector density by Integrated Vector Management and personal protection measures. As per Indian scenario, Ministry of Health had issued guidelines based on effective surveillance, risk communication, laboratory and travel regulations. Approaches to such a potential global health security threat should be consistent, proactive, and should involve coordinated, multi-pronged, multilateral collaborative efforts since the concern is at the highest and immediate because of Global epidemic, Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games starting from Aug 5-21, 2016 and strong association with microcephaly. Most importantly the need of the hour is the development of vaccine for protection especially the young women who are in the reproductive age groups. The research for which is ongoing as far as the current situation of global epidemic response is concerned.