Zika virus

Definition

Zika virus is an arthropod-borne virus primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The virus gained significant attention due to its association with severe birth defects, particularly microcephaly, in babies born to mothers infected during pregnancy, impacting neural development and neurogenesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to severe fetal brain abnormalities, primarily microcephaly, which significantly affects cognitive and physical development.
2. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors for Zika virus transmission, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions.
3. Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
4. The virus is typically mild in adults, causing symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis; however, its effects on fetal development are much more severe.
5. Public health responses have included mosquito control measures and educational campaigns aimed at preventing Zika virus transmission, especially among pregnant women.

Review Questions

• How does Zika virus affect neural development in fetuses?
  • Zika virus significantly impacts neural development in fetuses by causing congenital conditions like microcephaly. The infection during pregnancy disrupts normal neurogenesis, leading to reduced brain size and potential cognitive impairments. As the brain develops rapidly during gestation, exposure to the virus can have lasting effects on the infant's neurological health.
• Discuss the mechanisms of transmission for Zika virus and their implications for public health.
  • Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, but it can also spread through sexual contact and from mothers to their babies during pregnancy. This multifaceted transmission raises significant public health concerns as it complicates control efforts. It emphasizes the need for targeted mosquito control strategies and awareness campaigns, especially for women of childbearing age to reduce the risk of birth defects.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Zika virus infection during pregnancy on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
  • The long-term consequences of Zika virus infection during pregnancy can be profound, leading to a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with congenital Zika syndrome. Children born with microcephaly may face ongoing challenges such as cognitive delays, motor skill deficits, and other developmental issues. Understanding these outcomes is critical for developing interventions and support systems for affected families, as well as informing future research on maternal-fetal health.

Related terms

Microcephaly: A medical condition characterized by an abnormally small head size, often associated with developmental issues and neurological abnormalities.

Neurogenesis: The process by which new neurons are generated in the brain, crucial for brain development and function, particularly during prenatal and early postnatal stages.

Congenital Zika syndrome: A set of birth defects and developmental disorders in infants born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, including microcephaly and other neurological impairments.