Knowra Zika virus Zika virus Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that can cause congenital abnormalities and neurological disease. It spreads mainly through Aedes mosquitoes, with sexual and maternal-fetal transmission also possible.
Aedes aegypti : Aedes aegypti is a mosquito species that transmits several viruses to humans, including Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. This mosquito is a major urban vector of Zika virus.
Congenital Zika syndrome : Congenital Zika syndrome is a pattern of birth defects associated with Zika infection during pregnancy, including brain and eye abnormalities. It names the range of lasting abnormalities linked to fetal infection.
Zika Forest : Zika Forest is a forested area near Entebbe, Uganda, where Zika virus was first identified in 1947. The virus takes its name from this site of its discovery.
Zika virus diagnosis : Zika virus diagnosis identifies current or past infection using molecular tests, antibody tests, and clinical context. Testing is complicated by short-lived viremia and antibody cross-reactions with related viruses.
Dengue virus : Dengue viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that cause dengue fever and, in some cases, severe vascular disease. Dengue shares vectors and antibody cross-reactivity with Zika but has a distinct disease profile.
Flavivirus : Flaviviruses are enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses that include dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. Zika belongs to this virus group, whose members share replication and structural features.
Microcephaly : Microcephaly is a condition in which a person's head is substantially smaller than expected, often reflecting altered brain growth. It became a prominent sign of severe congenital Zika infection.
Uganda Virus Research Institute : The Uganda Virus Research Institute is a research institution in Entebbe, Uganda, focused on infectious diseases and public health. Researchers at the institute isolated Zika virus during yellow fever studies.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction : Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detects RNA by converting it to DNA and amplifying selected genetic sequences. RT-PCR can detect Zika RNA in blood or other specimens soon after infection.
Chikungunya virus : Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that commonly causes fever and severe joint pain. It spread alongside Zika in the Americas and can produce overlapping early symptoms.
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