Zika Virus: The Emerging Arthropod Borne Virus

The Aedes mosquito is the primary vector of transmission of the Zika virus, a vector-borne arbovirus that has become a major worldwide health problem. Despite being discovered in Africa at first, the virus became well-known during the 2015–2016 outbreak in the Americas because it was linked to serious birth abnormalities like microcephaly. The public health community has been alarmed by the Zika virus’s emergence in India in recent years, which has made a thorough grasp of the virus’s epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and possible effects on mother and child health imperative. This chapter gives a broad review of the Zika virus’s current situation in India, stressing important epidemiological trends, difficult diagnostic cases, and socioeconomic variables that affect the dynamics of the virus’s spread. India’s diverse environment and high population density are taken into consideration while discussing the geographical distribution of the virus, including impacted regions and recorded cases. The chapter also looks at how the Zika virus might affect pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and preventative actions to lower the chance of congenital abnormalities. The difficulties in diagnosing the Zika virus and the significance of early detection for successful public health interventions are also covered in this chapter. The chapter also addresses current research projects and cooperative efforts amongst international groups, government agencies, and research institutions in an attempt to comprehend the behaviour of the virus and create control measures. This chapter’s conclusion emphasises how critical it is to keep up with research and implement public health initiatives to monitor and contain the Zika virus in India. This chapter adds to the global conversation on emerging infectious illnesses by synthesising current information and highlighting the value of a multidisciplinary approach. It also emphasises the necessity of ongoing vigilance to safeguard vulnerable people from the Zika virus.