Zika Virus 2015

About Zika Virus 2015

The Zika virus outbreak in the Americas began in Brazil in early 2015 and spread to over 80 countries and territories. Zika virus, transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, was first identified in Uganda in 1947 but caused only sporadic human cases until outbreaks on Yap Island in 2007 and in French Polynesia in 2013. In Brazil, Zika infection during pregnancy was linked to microcephaly and other congenital malformations. The WHO declared a PHEIC in February 2016. Thousands of cases of microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities were confirmed in Brazil. The outbreak also revealed that Zika could be sexually transmitted. No Zika vaccine has been licensed. Containment relied on mosquito control and pregnancy advisories. The economic impact in Latin America was significant, including reduced tourism. The outbreak raised ethical questions about the 2016 Rio Olympics, with some scientists calling for postponement. Zika demonstrated how a little known virus could rapidly emerge as a major public health threat in a new region.