Emergence and Re-emergence of Zika Virus; History and Current Trend

Abstract

Zika virus is an emerging and re-emerging disease of medical and public health importance. The World Health Organization has already declared the virus a new emerging disease to be managed. The virus was first discovered in Uganda in the year 1947, and the last major outbreak was in Brazil in 2015 and then witness again in India 2017-2018. Aedes aegypti is one of the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the Zika virus, dengue virus, yellow fever virus and chikungunya virus as a primary vector in certain parts of the world. and other south and Central American countries that made it considered as a re-emerging virus. The infectious agent of Zika virus (Aedes aegypti) has been introduced to vulnerable populations through trade, travel and climate change. As earth’s climate warms and habitats are altered the virus has spread to new geographic areas such that warm temperatures allow mosquitos and diseases spread. There is currently no vaccine, but its development is still ongoing. Public awareness about this silent monster virus must be propagated and proper management of the virus is necessary to avoid future occurrences.