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Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that can infect various types of organisms, including animals, plants, and even bacteria. They are considered non-living entities because they lack the ability to carry out essential life processes on their own. Instead, viruses rely on host cells to reproduce and carry out their life cycle. There are several types of viruses based on their genetic material, structure, and the organisms they infect. There are several types of viruses based on their genetic material, structure, and the organisms they infect. One of them is the Zika virus.
The Zika virus is a viral infection primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aides mosquitoes. It belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is closely related to other mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda, and outbreaks of the disease were sporadic and relatively mild until 2007 when a major outbreak occurred in the Pacific island of Yap. The virus gained global attention during the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil, where it was linked to a surge in cases of microcephaly— a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head and brain in newborns. Symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually mild and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, headache, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Many infected individuals may not show any symptoms at all. The illness is typically self-limiting and lasts for a few days to a week.
The major concern with Zika virus infection is its association with complications such as microcephaly in babies born to infected mothers and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. It's important to note that the information provided here is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and new developments regarding the Zika virus may have emerged since then.
The Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which also includes other well-known viruses such as dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever. It was first identified in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda, hence its name.
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. These mosquitoes are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. However, the virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy.
Zika virus infection has been linked to an increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome in outbreaks over the past ten years. A relationship between Zika virus infection and microcephaly (smaller-than-normal head size) was originally observed when the virus first surfaced in the Americas, with a major epidemic in Brazil in 2015. A retrospective study of the region revealed comparable findings in French Polynesia. The Zika virus, various neurological illnesses, and microcephaly were the cause of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared from February to November 2016. It was quickly established that the Zika virus was the cause of congenital deformities.Zika virus outbreaks have been found in most of the Americas and other areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent. The Zika virus, various neurological illnesses, and microcephaly were the cause of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared from February to November 2016. It was quickly established that the Zika virus was the cause of congenital deformities. Zika virus outbreaks have been found in most of the Americas and other areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are prevalent. Travelers from locations where the Zika virus is now present have been found to be infected, and sexual transmission has been verified as an additional method of infection.
Globally, the number of cases of Zika virus sickness decreased starting in 2017, however the virus is still spreading at low levels in a number of American countries as well as other endemic areas. Furthermore, Zika virus epidemic activity was discovered in India in 2021, and the first local instances of the disease were recorded in Europe in 2019. These cases were transmitted by mosquitoes.89
nations and territories have so far reported evidence of Zika virus infection spread by mosquitoes; however, worldwide surveillance is still quite low.
One of the most concerning complications of Zika infection is its association with microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head and incomplete brain development in newborns. Zika infection during pregnancy has also been linked to other neurological disorders in infants, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Efforts to control the spread of Zika primarily focus on mosquito control measures, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides. Additionally, public health interventions aim to raise awareness about the risks of Zika infection, especially for pregnant women, and promote the use of personal protective measures.

It is important to note that my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, and there may have been new developments or research findings regarding the Zika virus since then.
Zika infection (ZIKV), previously an ignored microorganism, has as of late been related with microcephaly in babies, and with Guillian-Barré disorder in grown-ups, and has produced overall concern. Zika infection has a place with the Flaviviridae group of positive-strand RNA infections that incorporate human microorganisms, for example, the mosquito communicated Dengue Infection (DENV), West Nile Infection (WNV), Japanese Encephalitis Infection (JEV), Yellow Fever Infection (YFV) and tick-borne encephalitis infection (TBEV). Zika infection was first found in a sentinel rhesus monkey in the Zika Valley of Uganda in 1947. Also, in this way confined to mosquitos in 1948 and from people in 1952 from Uganda and Tanzania. From that point onward, there were a couple of tainted cases detailed in Africa and South Asia region for a significant period until 2007 when it caused the first huge flare-up of illness on Gab Island in Micronesia, trailed by episodes in Oceania in 2013-14. Following its presentation in Brazil in 2015, the infection has spread quickly across the Americas.
Definition of disease:
Zika fever, also known as Zika virus disease or simply Zika, is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.[2] In most cases, there are no symptoms, but when present they are usually mild and may resemble dengue fever. Symptoms may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash.[3] Symptoms generally last less than seven days. No deaths due to the disease were reported during the initial infection phase.[4][5] Transmission of the disease from mother to fetus during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other brain abnormalities in some children. Infection in adults has been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.[6][7]
In February 2016, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus-associated microcephaly a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and the causal relationship between Zika virus and congenital malformations was confirmed. The organization announced the end of this emergency in November of the same year. Although Zika virus disease cases have declined globally from 2017 onwards, transmission continues at low levels in several countries in the Americas and other endemic areas
The following is a chronology of the origin of the Zika virus and its spread since its discovery 70 years ago.

• 1947 - Scientists who were researching yellow fever in the Zika forest in Uganda detected the virus in an Asian rhesus monkey.


• 1948 - The presence of the virus was discovered in the Aedes africanus mosquito in the Zika forest.


• 1952 - The first cases of infection in humans were discovered in Uganda and Tanzania.


• 1954 - The virus was detected in Nigeria.
  From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Zika virus was discovered in mosquitoes and monkeys throughout the tropical region of Africa.
  the reason:
  The Zika virus is transmitted by the bites of virus-carrying mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti (Aedes) species, and is most active during the day, especially in the mid-morning and late afternoon hours.
  Transportation methods:
  *By biting mosquitoes carrying the virus.

• From mother to fetus during pregnancy via the placenta.
  *By blood transfusion.


• Through sexual contact with an infected person.
  The incubation period is the period from the time of exposure to the virus until symptoms appear, and ranges between two and 14 days.
  Risk factors:


• Living in areas at risk from the Zika virus.


• Traveling to an area where cases have been recorded, and where there are mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

Symptoms:
Many people infected with Zika virus do not have symptoms, but some may have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

• High temperature.


• rash.


• Headache.


• Joint pain, often in the joints of the hands and feet.


• Conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes).


• Muscle pain.
  When should you see a doctor?
  *If the person has symptoms of Zika virus infection.


• Visiting an area where there is a risk of infection with the Zika virus, especially pregnant women.
  Complications:


• The fetus suffers from serious congenital malformations, such as microcephaly.


• Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a disease that affects the nervous system; The immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis
  Clinical manifestation (symptoms):
  The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. While many people infected with Zika virus may not experience any symptoms or only have mild symptoms, it can cause a range of clinical manifestations, particularly in certain populations such as pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. Here are some common clinical manifestations associated with Zika virus infection:

1. Rash: A rash is a common symptom of Zika virus infection. It typically begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The rash is usually itchy and may be accompanied by redness and small bumps.


2. Fever: Many people infected with Zika virus develop a low-grade fever, usually lasting a few days to a week. The fever is often accompanied by other flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle and joint
   pain, and fatigue.


3. Conjunctivitis: Zika virus infection can cause conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. The eyes may become red, itchy, and watery. Conjunctivitis typically lasts for a few days to a week.


4. Joint pain: Zika virus infection can lead to joint pain, particularly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet. The joint pain is usually mild and self-limiting, resolving within a week or two.


5. Headache: Headaches are a common symptom of Zika virus infection. The headaches may be mild to moderate in intensity and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and rash.
   It is important to note that these clinical manifestations are similar to those of other mosquito-borne viral infections, such as dengue and chikungunya. If you suspect a Zika virus infection, it is essential to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Additionally, pregnant women should be particularly cautious, as Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects such as microcephaly and other neurological complications in the developing fetus.
   In rare cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs after Zika virus infection; Guillain-Barre syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness and tingling or decreased sensation that usually lasts for a limited time.

Zika virus infection in children of infected mothers:
Infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to a baby's microcephaly or other problems. Microcephaly refers to an abnormal decrease in the size of the baby's head; the head is small because the brain does not develop normally while it is small.
Babies with prenatal infections can have many problems in addition to microcephaly, sometimes including:
1-Convulsions
2-Delayed development (for example, children may have problems speaking, and sitting, standing, and walking may be slower than expected)
3-Mental or intellectual disability
4-Problems with movement and balance
5-Nutritional problems, such as difficulty swallowing
6-Hearing deficiency
7-Vision problem
In the United States, many cases of microcephaly have been linked to the Zika virus; the mothers of these children likely become infected when they traveled to a country where Zika virus infection is common. Cases are being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. Although Zika virus disease cases have declined globally from 2017 onwards, transmission continues at low levels in several countries in the Americas and other endemic areas.

Lab diagnosis:
The detection of viral RNA by molecular techniques, the identification of ZIKV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by serologic testing, and the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for the confirmation of positive IgM results in pregnant women are the recommended methods for laboratory diagnosis of ZIKV infection. ZIKA can be found in blood (whole blood, serum, plasma), urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and other fluids during the acute phase of the disease. In urine, the virus can be found up to 15–20 days after symptoms first appear. Molecular testing, clinical and epidemiological criteria, together with serologic data are necessary for a reliable laboratory diagnosis, particularly in cases involving pregnant women and infants born with Zika congenital disorders.In addition:Serum, plasma, whole blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and amniotic fluid can all be tested using different Zika virus NAATs.
The FDA has approved an enzyme immunoassay to identify IgM antibodies against the Zika virus in serum, and it has also granted emergency use authorisations (EUAs) for additional IgM antibody assays to diagnose Zika virus infection.
There are two types of tests are used to check for Zika infections:
1)Molecular test:
These assays search for Zika virus genetic material. The examinations are also known as NAT or NAAT, or nucleic acid amplification tests. Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing is a popular molecular diagnostic technique used to detect the Zika virus in a blood or urine sample. You should get this test if you are expecting.
2)Antibody test:
Your immune system produces antibodies, which are proteins, to combat viruses and other pathogens. An anti-Zika antibody test examines a blood sample to determine whether it contains anti-Zika antibodies. To produce antibodies, your body need time. Therefore, an antibody test can be performed as soon as symptoms start to appear, and it will be accurate.
The majority of Zika patients don't have any symptoms, however those who do frequently include the following:
-Fever
-Rash
-Joint pain
-Muscle pain
-Headache
-Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Epidemiology:
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus, was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus macaques, and mild evidence of infection and disease in human consumption and disease in other African consumption later emerged during the 1950s.From the 1960s to the 1980s, human orchestras were detected throughout Africa and Asia. However, since 2007, outbreaks of Zika virus have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. In outbreaks over the past decade, Zika infection and Guillain-Barre disease have occurred. When Zika virus emerged in the Americas, with a major epidemic in Brazil in 2015, an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly (smaller than normal head size) was first described. There are similar results in French Polynesia when retrospectively reviewed. From February to November 2016, it was temporarily organized for public healthy eating in Ireland, particularly concerned about small events, other protests, and the Zika virus, and the global protests between the Zika virus and birth defects were quickly confirmed (1,2). Outbreaks of Zika virus have been identified in areas of most of the Americas and in others known to be present with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Cases of infection among spreaders from areas of viral infection have also been detected, and it is certain that the virus is spread through sexual contact as a secondary route of Zika virus infection.
The Zika virus has been infected at the global classification level from 2017 onwards; However, transmission of Zika virus remains low-level in many developing countries in the Americas and in other endemic areas. Now, the first cases of mosquito-borne Zika virus disease were reported in Europe in 2019, and outbreak activity of Zika virus disease was detected in India in 2021. To date, a total of 89 countries and territories have reported evidence of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection; However, surveillance remains restricted at the global level.
The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it is known today, and a large part of the virus has been isolated and identified from the genus Aedes mosquitoes, such as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and from arboreal mosquitoes such as the African type and other species. He has studied that the external incubation period of the virus in mosquitoes is about 10 days. It has been shown that the Zika virus is transmitted among humans through sexual contact, and some cases have emerged that confirm the possibility of transmission of the virus, affecting the unborn fetus. It has been found that it is possible for the virus to be transmitted from an infected mother to the child during childbirth, but This is rare.Monkeys and monkeys are among the most important vertebrate hosts of the virus. Before the epidemic of the virus, the virus rarely caused indirect infections in Bashir, even in areas endemic with vector animals.
Determine the societal risk of the Zika virus by looking at the global distribution of the types of mosquitoes that transmit the virus. Aedes aegypti is considered the most widespread and very widespread carrier of the virus, and this mosquito expands through global travel. This type of mosquito has recorded the largest percentages in all parts of the world, continents with the exception of the carrier of the Zika virus. It has been found that some species of mosquitoes that transmit the virus may adapt to survive in different climates between continents. Press reports in the recent period indicated that the Zika virus has spread in both Latin America and the American sea region, [31] and the World Health Organization has identified the countries and America that witnessed local transmission of the Zika virus, which are Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. , Ecuador, and the communities of Vidor, Yana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, and Suriname, in addition to Venezuela. In 2009, it was found that the Zika virus had been transmitted from Brianni (a biologist at Colorado State University) to whales through sexual contact, and Foy had learned to bite via a mosquito through one of his visits to Senegal on a number of occasions, thus becoming Foy's wife. The first person to be exposed to sexual transmission of the virus. In 2015, the presence of the Zika virus was revealed in the amniotic fluid, indicating that the virus had crossed the placenta, and thus it was found that the mother could infect her child.
Treatment:
There is no cure or vaccine for the Zika virus, but there is a treatment for symptoms by taking medications, such as acetaminophen; To relieve fever and joint pain, in addition to the following:
Get plenty of rest.Drink plenty of fluids; To prevent dehydration.Before using any medication, you should inform your physician.If symptoms worsen, seek medical care.
Pregnant women who live in areas where Zika virus transmission is common, or who develop symptoms of infection, should seek medical attention and undergo the necessary tests.
protection:
There is - not yet - a vaccine to prevent or treat Zika virus infection; The process of preparing the vaccine is still ongoing, but it is recommended to avoid mosquito bites by following the following:
Wear protective clothing, preferably a light color, that covers most parts of the body.
Use barriers, such as window curtains, closing doors, and windows.
Apply insect-repellent products to the skin or clothing that contain DEET, ethyl butyl acetyl amino propionate (IR 3535), or icaridin, according to the instructions on the product label.
Ensure that young children and pregnant women sleep during the day and the early hours of the evening under mosquito nets.
Travelers and people living in affected areas must be careful; To protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Make sure to follow safer sexual practices, such as: using a condom when traveling to places where the infection is widespread, for 3 months for men, and for two months for women. It is also recommended to abstain from sexual activity throughout pregnancy if the partner lives in, or has traveled to, an area where the Zika virus is spreading.
It is noteworthy that mosquitoes breed in the small pools of water found around homes, schools, and workplaces, and it is important to eliminate their breeding sites by several means, including:
Cover water storage containers.
Empty flower pots of stagnant water.
Cleaning places of garbage and used tires.
Insecticide spraying; To reduce mosquito populations and limit the spread of diseases.
Prevention and control include infection control policy:
How can zika be prevention:
Preventing mosquito bites both indoors and outdoors—especially during the peak mosquito activity hours of sunrise to sunset—is the strongest defense against the Zika virus.
These actions consist of:
. Follow the directions on the product package when applying insect repellent.
. putting on long pants and shirts with sleeves.
. sleeping or relaxing in air-conditioned or screened-in rooms.
.Making use of mosquito netting.

Other measures:
. The risk of sexual transmission can be decreased by wearing a condom when visiting an area where the Zika virus is actively spreading and by continuing to do so for at least eight weeks after leaving the area. Condoms should be used for six months after the end of symptoms if any were encountered.
. Travelers who return from Zika-affected locations are prohibited from donating blood for 28 days following their return, or until the danger of infection has subsided.

Control measures for Zika virus disease:
Guidelines for the establishment of customized surveillance for invasive mosquito species with public health significance have been created by ECDC. This set of guidelines offers precise information, technical assistance, cost estimates, and recommendations for focused data collecting in the field that can be adjusted as the epidemiological situation changes.

Infected with zika virus by:
The majority of Zika virus cases are caused by female Aedes aegypti mosquito bites. These mosquitoes can spread diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever and are primarily active during the day. Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti are found in warm tropical climates; they cannot survive in colder climes. Although its ability to spread the virus is still up for debate, the Aedes albopictus mosquito is another way that Zika can spread.
Evidence of transmission from mother to child, through blood donation, and through sexual encounters has also been reported.