Zika Virus Pandemic: Vector Control

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to understand the progression of the volatile pandemic of Zika virus occurring around Central America, South America, North America, Central Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean and to communicate guidelines aimed at potentially infected individuals and health care providers for the support and care of individuals potentially infected with Zika virus. The negative health impacts of Zika virus affect both adults and infants therefore methods to remain safe during outbreaks should be implemented to prevent severe brain abnormalities and diminished function.

Materials and Methods: A literature review was used to reevaluate data from nine well-cited articles on the impact of Zika virus, followed by an analysis of the Zika virus and its epidemiologic features, clinical management, laboratory testing, prevention and treatment to support providers in the assessment and diagnosis of individuals potentially carrying Zika virus.

Results: The published literature demonstrates how Zika virus developed into a worldwide pandemic in the span of a single year following the 2015 outbreak in Brazil. Health care practitioners and organizations must work together in outbreak prevention, vaccine discovery and treatment of individuals throughout outbreaks of Zika virus. The biological difficulties in diagnosing and treating Zika virus necessitate the implementation of suitable risk communication procedures. Zika virus pandemic response plans for populations were not sufficient, and national policies must characterize access to services and treatment.

Conclusion: Health impairments and impacts associated with the Zika virus infection, including brain abnormalities, neural tube defects and eye disease are not entirely understood and may be better understood through sustained research, as Zika virus remains a long-term issue. The magnitude of risk of the Zika virus on public health is unknown, and pregnancy outcomes and evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics support the importance of screening and prevention measures.