The Zika virus: Lurking behind the COVID‐19 pandemic?

Abstract

What is known and objective The sudden and extensive outbreak of coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has overshadowed another developing viral threat: the Zika flavivirus. Of particular concern is that pregnant women can pass Zika virus to the foetus, and there is a strong implication of an association between Zika virus infection and foetal microcephaly. Currently, there is no vaccine, and there is no cure. Methods Published literature and Internet sources were searched for information related to Zika virus, its transmission, its clinical presentation and sequalae, prevention and implications (practice and regulatory) for healthcare providers. The identified English sources were reviewed, assessed and synthesized. Emphasis was placed on providing an overview of the problem, and identification of unmet needs and future directions. Results and discussion Zika virus poses a major challenge for healthcare providers, particularly in areas unaccustomed to it, since it is transmitted to humans by the vector Aedes aegypti mosquito. The outbreak impacts every healthcare provider, because every provider is required to report cases of Zika infection to their state or local health agencies––whether the infection is confirmed or merely suspected. Since the virus has become a worldwide crisis, healthcare providers will need to work across national boundaries and medical disciplines in order to educate patients about Zika symptoms and the mosquito vector. Until further information is known, infected patients (male and female) are being advised to avoid conceiving a child. What is new and Conclusion Until a vaccine is developed or effective treatment for Zika virus is discovered, healthcare providers must be AVP (aware, vigilant and proactive) in order to lessen the spread and impact of the implicated devastating birth defects (microcephaly) and other neurological disorders (eg Guillain‐Barré Syndrome) of this infection. Unfortunately, many knowledge gaps exist. There is an urgent need for a reliable, inexpensive diagnostic test, an effective treatment and an approved and readily available vaccine.

Pathophysiological and molecular considerations of viral and bacterial infections during maternal-fetal and –neonatal interactions of SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and Mycoplasma infectious diseases

“…In many countries, it is still difficult or impossible to obtain generalized access to reliable anti-conception methods, and safe abortion procedures are out of reach for many women, particularly in Africa and in some Latin-American countries. Though during 2020, the scientific community and the world have paid attention to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, ZIKV is also an important public health problem in many countries around the world [ 182 ].…”

Meeting the Need for a Discussion of Unmet Medical Need

“…The unexpected emergence of COVID is only one example of the unpredicted and unpredictable. Another is monkeypox [ 35 ], and the experiences with Zika [ 36 ] and Ebola [ 37 ] are also still fresh in the memory. Thus, UMN would have to be defined continuously and in rather short timeframes.…”

Zika virus amid COVID‐19 in India: A rising concern

“…It is especially important to note, avoidance of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue is ruled out, to prevent possible bleeding manifestations. 26 In order to provide adequate response and leadership in mitigating the emerging infectious threats, it is of utmost importance to provide an accurate epidemiological picture. Hence, precise diagnosis will be necessary, as the diagnostics of Zika infection could be confusing, provided its similar symptoms and cross-reactivity with chikungunya and dengue.…”