Zika virus epidemic and its research progress: an overview

Since May 2015, Zika virus epidemic outbreak caused great concern around the world.Zika virus is a kind of flavivirus which has two subtypes:African and Asian.The virus is transmitted mainly by aedes bite, but it also could be spread by blood, sex and vertical transmission.The incubation period of Zika virus infection is 3-12 days and the main clinical manifestations of the infection include maculopapule, fever, and joint or muscle pain.Zika virus was first identified in 1947.Since May 2015, a large-scale outbreak appeared in Brazil and other American countries then spread to 59 countries.Studies show that neonatal intensive small head syndrome cases and other neurological diseases occurred in Brazil may have a close relationship with Zika virus infection.The whole-genome sequence of Zika virus, which has a series of mutations, has been published.So far there is no effective vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection and the main preventative measures are mosquito control and self-protection awareness.