A epidemia do vírus Zika: desafios clínicos à medicina moderna

Abstract

The Zika virus is an arbovirus, a member of a flavivirus family. In February 2016, the World Health Organization declared the virus as a public health emergency due to the large increase in cases of microcephaly and other neurological manifestations related to the infection. The most common route of infection is the transmission by mosquitoes. Several species of genus Aedes mosquitoes can transmit the Zika virus nevertheless Aedes aegyptiis the most important vector for humans.The infection by Zika virus is diagnosed clinically and with laboratory confirmation testing further. Patients with suspected infection by Zika virus should also be evaluated for Dengue and Chikungunya viruses because they have similar symptoms and geographical distribution. Available tests, include RT-PCR and detection of specific IgM antibodies against viruses. There is no specific antiviral treatment available. Most infections are mild and self-limited and the treatment is management of symptoms. Little is known about the disease despite the large number of articles published in recent months,including the viral biology and its possible complications.Currently, we have to control the outbreaks are behavioral changes. In the absence of antivirals and vaccines to combat it, the vector control is a practical strategy to limit new infections.