Virus Zika update

Zika virus is an arbovirus transmitted by the bite of female Aedes mosquito genus, species Aedes albopictus is the predominant in the Mediterranean region. Transmission is mainly through vectors, but the virus has been isolated in various organic fluids. Cases of vertical, sexual transmission and via blood products have been described. The possible transmission through breastfeeding is still unknown. Zika virus has presented a major expansion in the last year, up today autochthonous transmission has been recognized in 33 countries in the Americas, therefore on February 1, 2016, the WHO declared virus Zika as a global public health emergency, because of the large number of cases reported and possible complications derived from their infection in humans. After infection by the virus, only 25% of the affected present symptoms after an incubation period between 3 and 12 days, developing banal clinical manifestations such as fever, joint pain, conjunctival hyperemia and generalized rash. At the moment there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Management is symptomatic with antipyretic, rest and fluids. The increasing of microcephaly and neurological syndromes during the outbreak of Zika virus infection, has warned the public health authorities. The risk of autochthonous transmission in Spain is defined by the Ministry of Health as a real risk, based on the analysis of several factors. Nowadays there is a resurgence of arboviruses. More studies are needed to understand their behavior and to develop appropriate public health strategies, effective vaccines and antiretroviral therapies. Key words: Infection; Microcephaly; Update; Zika virus.