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Zika: The Newly Emerging Threat to Mankind

Bratati Banerjee* , Bratati Banerjee* , Rupsa Banerjee**

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Indian Journal of Communicable Diseases 2(1):p 19-23, January-June 2016. | DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijcd.2395.6631.2116.4

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Abstract

 Zika virus disease, first identified in Zika forest of Uganda in Africa, is a newly emerging threat that has been responsible for outbreaks in Brazil and 22 other countries and territories in America within the last few years. The disease is caused by a Flavivirus and transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. It may also be transmitted through vertical, sexual and parenteral routes, though these are rare. Anyone not previously exposed to the virus and who lives in an area where the mosquito is present, and where imported or local cases have been reported, may be infected. The disease is usually mild and can last for 2-7 days. Symptoms are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya. However, Zika does not have clearly characteristic features, but most patients have skin rashes and some have conjunctivitis. The public health alarm lies in the fact that the outbreak in Brazil is associated with a steep rise of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects, most common being microcephaly, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Hence the World Health Organization has declared the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil, following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and has issued Temporary Recommendations under IHR (2005). India is also at risk, as being a new virus the entire population is susceptible, lacking immunity to it. Also the Aedes mosquito is widespread in the country and the climatic conditions, temperature, and humidity of the country are favourable for transmission of the disease. Hence public health measures must be widely implemented throughout the country to prevent an epidemic. Based on the Recommendations of WHO, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has issued guidelines for prevention and control of Zika virus disease in India. 

Keywords: Zika; Virus; Aedes Mosquito; Microcephaly; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Brazil Outbreak.

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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijcd.2395.6631.2116.4

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