scholarly journals Navigating the Zika panic

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan D. Grubaugh ◽  
Kristian G. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Virus Research

The epidemics of Ebola virus in West Africa and Zika virus in America highlight how viruses can explosively emerge into new territories. These epidemics also exposed how unprepared we are to handle infectious disease emergencies. This is also true when we consider hypothesized new clinical features of infection, such as the associations between Zika virus infection and severe neurological disease, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. On the surface, these pathologies appear to be new features of Zika virus infection, however, causal relationships have not yet been established. Decades of limited Zika virus research are making us scramble to determine the true drivers behind the epidemic, often at the expense of over-speculation without credible evidence. Here we review the literature and find no conclusive evidence at this time for significant biological differences between the American Zika virus strains and those circulating elsewhere. Rather, the epidemic scale in the Americas may be facilitated by an abnormally warm climate, dense human and mosquito populations, and previous exposure to other viruses. Severe disease associated with Zika virus may therefore not be a new trait for the virus, rather it may have been overlooked due to previously small outbreaks. Much of the recent panic regarding Zika virus has been about the Olympics in Brazil. We do not find any substantial evidence that the Olympics will result in a significant number of new Zika virus infections (~10 predicted) or that the Olympics will promote further epidemic spread over what is already expected. The Zika virus epidemic in the Americas is a serious situation and decisions based on solid scientific evidence - not hyped media speculations - are required for effective outbreak response.

scholarly journals Asymptomatic Prenatal Zika Virus Infection and Congenital Zika Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enny S Paixao ◽  
Wei-Yee Leong ◽  
Laura C Rodrigues ◽  
Annelies Wilder-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Prospective Studies ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Retrospective Studies ◽  
Recall Bias ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Fetal Outcomes ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome

Abstract To investigate to what extent asymptomatic vs symptomatic prenatal Zika virus infections contribute to birth defects, we identified 3 prospective and 8 retrospective studies. The ratio varied greatly in the retrospective studies, most likely due to recruitment and recall bias. The prospective studies revealed a ratio of 1:1 for asymptomatic vs symptomatic maternal Zika infections resulting in adverse fetal outcomes.

scholarly journals Zika virus infections in three travellers returning from South America and the Caribbean respectively, to Montpellier, France, December 2015 to January 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Thibault Maria ◽  
Marianne Maquart ◽  
Alain Makinson ◽  
Olivier Flusin ◽  
Michel Segondy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
South America ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Mosquito Vectors ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Southern France ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
The Caribbean

We report three unrelated cases of Zika virus infection in patients returning from Martinique, Brazil and Colombia respectively, to Montpellier, France. They developed symptoms compatible with a mosquito-borne disease, and serological and molecular investigations indicated a recent Zika virus infection. Considering the recent warning for the likely teratogenicity of Zika virus and the presence of competent mosquito vectors in southern France, these cases highlight the need for awareness of physicians and laboratories in Europe.

scholarly journals Clinical Trials and Administration of Zika Virus Vaccine in Pregnant Women: Lessons (that Should Have Been) Learned from Excluding Immunization with the Ebola Vaccine during Pregnancy and Lactation

Vaccines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Intrauterine Infection ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Torch Infection

As evidenced from recent epidemics, both Ebola and Zika virus infection are potentially catastrophic when occurring in pregnant women. Ebola virus causes extremely high rates of mortality in both mothers and infants; Zika virus is a TORCH infection that produces a congenital malformation syndrome and pediatric neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Production of efficacious vaccines has been a public health priority for both infections. Unfortunately, during the clinical trials and subsequent deployment of a vaccine for the Ebola virus, pregnant and lactating women were, and continue to be, excluded from receiving the life-saving vaccine. The most serious consequence of Zika virus infection, congenital Zika syndrome, results from fetal infection during pregnancy. Thus, pregnant women have a major stake in the ongoing development of a vaccine for Zika virus. The exclusion of pregnant women from the development, clinical trials and administration of a potential Zika vaccine unfairly deprives them and their infants of the protection they need against this potentially catastrophic intrauterine infection. When creating policy about these issues, it is important to critically evaluate vaccine safety in pregnancy in the context of the substantial risk of infection for the pregnant woman and her fetus in the absence of immunization.

scholarly journals Use of infectious disease surveillance reports to monitor the Zika virus epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2015 to 2017: strengths and deficiencies

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042869
Author(s):  
Joan K Morris ◽  
Helen Dolk ◽  
Pablo Durán ◽  
Ieda Maria Orioli
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Infectious Disease Surveillance ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
The Caribbean

ObjectivesTo summarise the occurrence of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2015 to 2017 using two outcome measures derived from infectious disease surveillance reports and to assess the completeness of these reports.DesignSurveillance study.SettingPan American Health Organization (PAHO)/WHO epidemiology reports on confirmed and suspected Zika virus infection and cases of CZS.ParticipantsPopulations of 47 countries in the South and Central Americas, Mexico and the Caribbean.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe number of CZS cases per 1000 births (using 2016–2017 births as a denominator) and the number of CZS cases per 1000 births in women with Zika virus infection during pregnancy.ResultsBy 4 January 2018, 548623 suspected and 239063 confirmed Zika virus infections had been reported to PAHO/WHO from 47 countries. In 25 countries, over 80% of infections were reported as suspected. There were 3617 confirmed CZS cases in 25 countries; 2952 (82%) had occurred in Brazil. The number of CZS cases per 1000 births varied considerably with Brazil and several Caribbean island communities (Puerto Rico, St Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Grenada) having the highest CZS prevalence above 0.5 per 1000 births. Analysing the number of CZS cases per 1000 births in women infected with Zika virus during their pregnancy highlighted the inaccuracies of the data, with Venezuela likely to have had severe under-reporting of CZS.ConclusionsExpressing data on CZS in relation to total births, rather than as absolute numbers, better illustrates the burden of disease, providing that under-reporting of CZS is not too severe. Data on infections in pregnant women enable potential under-reporting of CZS to be identified. Both measures are recommended for future PAHO/WHO publications. Evidence of severe under-reporting of Zika virus infections and CZS makes interpretation of the data and comparisons between countries challenging.

scholarly journals Correlation between Zika virus and microcephaly as a consequence of congenital infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Flávia Silva Castro ◽  
Natália Barros Salgado Vieira ◽  
Sarah Joanny da Silva Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Neurological Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus of RNA, whose transmission is mainly vector - by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes - but it also occurs through sexual, blood and transplacental transmission, with the last mentioned it was possible to verify serious neurological effects in the epidemic in South America, especially in Brazil, between 2015 and 2016. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between Zika virus infection and microcephaly in recent scientific literature. Methodology: Refers to a bibliographic review in the databases SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE / Pubmed, with the terms “zika virus”, “infection” and “microcephaly” correlated in Portuguese and in English; 78 articles were found, but only 7 followed for analysis. Articles published more than 5 years ago and out of the proposed theme were disregarded. Results: The Zika virus, although similar to the dengue and chikungunya virus, it has a tendency to cause damage to the central nervous system such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. However, the association between microcephaly and ZIKV started to be more observed through the increase of the disease among fetuses and newborns of mothers who had been infected during the gestational phase in the epidemic that happened in Brazil. It is known that the development of the nervous system is the product of processes of high proliferation and cellular differentiation, in which even small errors generate dangerous impacts, and it is during this period that ZIKV affects the CNS of the fetus. The disease is characterized by the reduction of the brain perimeter, in this context, is a consequence of abnormalities influenced by the virus. Conclusions: Microcephaly is a complex disease; therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of primary care and other spheres for monitoring Zika virus infections, prenatal care and constant psychosocial monitoring. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand the relevance of studies about ZIKV and microcephaly, and to encourage scientific production in this area.

scholarly journals Primary care nurses’ knowledge on Zika virus infection during pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Paula Mikaelle Barbosa Costa ◽  
Jessika Lopes Figueiredo Pereira Batista ◽  
Inacia Sátiro Xavier de França ◽  
Mágna Leite Pereira ◽  
Millena Zaíra Cartaxo da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Primary Care Nurses ◽  
Nurses Knowledge

Cases related to Zika Virus infections in Brazil have become a severe public health problem due to its relation to microcephaly and other neurological and development problems in newborn babies of mothers who were infected by the Zika virus. Nurses are vital professionals in combating this infection, both for prevention and vector control; as well as handling the target public. Therefore, the research aimed to investigate Primary Care nurses’ knowledge on Zika virus infection during pregnancy. It is a descriptive field study with qualitative approach carried out at Family Health Strategy, in the city of Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection, which were submitted to thematic-content analysis. The nurses replied that there is not much information about Zika virus infections, and reported brain impairment as the main consequence for the newborn baby. Nurses also revealed that many women of the community showed negative feelings towards the pregnancy, and they pointed out the importance of health education actions in the community for dissemination of information on Zika virus infection control and prevention. Nurses’ contribution regarding the assistance provided to the community is considered satisfactory. However, there was a need to bring efficient and updated professional training to the reality of each community. Therefore, it is suggested that training be provided through continued health education to professionals.

scholarly journals Zika virus detection in cerebrospinal fluid from two patients with encephalopathy, Martinique, February 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoît Rozé ◽  
Fatiha Najioullah ◽  
Aïssatou Signate ◽  
Kossivi Apetse ◽  
Yannick Brouste ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Virus Detection ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

We report two cases of encephalopathy (one with seizures, one with electroencephalogram changes) in patients with Zika virus infection. The cases occurred on Martinique in February 2016, during the Zika virus outbreak. Awareness of the various neurological complications of Zika virus infection is needed for patients living in areas affected by Zika virus infections or for travellers to these areas.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Spatial distribution of Zika virus infection in northeastern Colombia

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales ◽  
Ubydul Haque ◽  
Jacob D Ball ◽  
Carlos Julian García-Loaiza ◽  
Maria Leonor Galindo-Marquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Zika Virus Infection
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