Zika Virus Case Study
Zika is an emerging arbovirus currently affecting areas across South America. The virus is transmitted by a mosquito vector of the Aedes Genus. The mosquito borne virus is made from a single genomic RNA encoding a polyprotein which is further processed into three structural proteins[1].
Zika Virus first emerged in Uganda in the Zika forest in 1945 remaining isolated in Africa. It wasn't until 2007 that a major epidemic outbreak occurred on the Island of Yap, Micronesia where over 75% of the island's population was infected. Since then Zika has emerged in Brazil and has continued to spread throughout North America during late 2015[2].
The symptoms of Zika virus are difficult to recognise because they closely resemble the symptoms other similar
diseases, including dengue fever. This results in up to 80% of cases from Zika virus going unnoticed or misdiagnosed
Zika Virus first emerged in Uganda in the Zika forest in 1945 remaining isolated in Africa. It wasn't until 2007 that a major epidemic outbreak occurred on the Island of Yap, Micronesia where over 75% of the island's population was infected. Since then Zika has emerged in Brazil and has continued to spread throughout North America during late 2015[2].
The symptoms of Zika virus are difficult to recognise because they closely resemble the symptoms other similar
diseases, including dengue fever. This results in up to 80% of cases from Zika virus going unnoticed or misdiagnosed