Abstract

Zika virus disease is an emerging viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Zika virus disease has been reported from Americas, Oceania/Pacific Islands, Africa, and Asia, and it has the potential for international spread. The most common route of transmission is by bite of Aedes mosquito, by sexual contact, transplacentally, and by blood transfusion. A majority of those infected with Zika virus disease either remain asymptomatic or show mild symptoms of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body ache, and joint pains. The diagnosis is based on clinical features, travel to endemic area, and laboratory diagnosis by testing serum or plasma to detect virus or virus-specific immunoglobulin. There is no vaccine or drug available to prevent or to treat Zika virus disease at present. The infected person needs supportive treatment and relief of symptoms.