1. History of Zika Virus
1947 New viral infection identified in the Zika Forrest, Uganda (research to id new viruses funded by the Rockefeller). This virus is closely related to dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever
Human cases identified in 4 different African coutnries
Cases appear in SE Asia
2007 YAP epidemic. 1000’s tested seropositive for virus, ~20% symptomatic
: French Polynesia and Easter Island. Retrospective analysis reveals possible association with microcephaly (a congenital brain/head malformation of infants)
2015: Zika reported in Brazil. Epidemic spreads across LA and the Caribbean.
As of Feb 2016: 40+ countries reported Zika cases (26 PAHO countries), with 1.5 million cases in Brazil

2. Epidemiological Curve
Here you can see the epidemiological curve for Zika in Latin America.
As a reminder, Zika is a virus. It is most commonly spread by the Aedes Aegypti in the Americas. There is also evidence that it can be spread by males to females during sexual contact. Blood transfusions.
There is no vaccine and no treatment.

4. Health Concerns
Approx 80% of people infected will experience no or mild symptoms.
The two conditions receiving the most attention are microcephaly and Guillone-Barre syndrome (which results in temporary paralysis)
Microcephaly may be a risk for pregnant women infected with Zika, although there is an association and no causal evidence has been provided. Most information is coming from Brazil. Typically Brazil’s Ministry of Health receives appox 150 cases of microcephaly reported each year. In they have received reports

5. Aedes Aegypti Mosquito

6. Public Health Response