Zika Virus Infection Distribution Zika virus (ZIKV) was first identifed in April 1947, when fever developed in a research rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest of Uganda. The monkey was a sentinel animal used in a jungle yellow fever research programme in the US. The first well-documented report of human ZIKV infection occurred in 1964, when a scientist described his own occupationally acquired infection. Studies in Nigeria in 1968, isolated ZIKV among the human population. Since then the virus has been identified in humans in other African countries including: Central African Republic, Egypt, Gabon, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda. ZIKV has been reported in humans in parts of Asia including: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2007, an outbreak of ZIKV occurred on Yap Island in the Federated States of Micronesia. This was the first time that ZIKV was reported outwith Africa and Asia. Infecting Agent and Vector Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus related to dengue, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and West Nile virus. The virus is spread by the aedes species of mosquito including the Aedes aegypti mosquito which predominantly bite during the day. At present there is no compelling evidence of nonprimate reservoirs of ZIKV, although one study did find ZIKV antibodies in rodents. The Illness ZIKV causes an illness similar to dengue fever and is generally mild and self limiting; lasting 4-7days. Incubation period is usually between 3-12 days. Symptoms of ZIKV infection may include fever, headache, conjunctivitis, rash, myalgia, and arthralgia. Other less common symptoms reported include: anorexia, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and dizziness. Diagnosis Clinical Detailed travel and exposure history is important in determining a likely cause of infection. Laboratory The diagnosis is usually confirmed serologically by detecting antibodies. PCR testing on acute-phase serum samples should be carried out to detect viral RNA. Treatment No specific treatments are available for ZIKV infection and management is supportive. Prevention    Avoiding mosquito bites is the main prevention method. Vaccine against ZIKV is not available. There are no medicines available to prevent ZIKV infection. Public Health Implications Human to human spread of ZIKV infection has not been recorded although those exposed to blood samples during the viraemic phase could be at risk especially if blood to blood contact or penetrating injuries (e.g. needle sticks) occur.