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Objective To describe the temporal and geographical distribution of Zika virus infection and associated neurological disorders, from 1947 to 1 February 2016, when Zika became a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Methods We did a literature search using the terms "Zika" and "ZIKV" in PubMed, cross-checked the findings for completeness against other published reviews and added formal notifications to WHO submitted under the International Health Regulations. Findings From the discovery of Zika virus in Uganda in 1947 to the declaration of a PHEIC by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 1 February 2016, a total of 74 countries and territories had reported human Zika virus infections. The timeline in this paper charts the discovery of the virus (1947), its isolation from mosquitos (1948), the first human infection (1952), the initial spread of infection from Asia to a Pacific island (2007), the first known instance of sexual transmission (2008), reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (2014) and microcephaly (2015) linked to Zika infections and the first appearance of Zika in the Americas (from 2015). Conclusion Zika virus infection in humans appears to have changed in character as its geographical range has expanded from equatorial Africa and Asia. The change is from an endemic, mosquito-borne infection causing mild illness to one that can cause large outbreaks linked with neurological sequelae and congenital abnormalities. © 2016, World Health Organization. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Aedes, Africa, Animals, Asia, Disease Outbreaks, Geography, Global Health, History, 20th Century, 21st Century, Humans, Macaca mulatta, Microcephaly, Zika Virus, Zika Virus Infection, Central America, North America, Pacific islands, South America, Uganda, mosquito-borne viruses, Zika virus, immunoglobulin G antibody, immunoglobulin M antibody, neutralizing antibody, virus antibody, abnormality, geographical distribution, infectious disease, mental health, nervous system disorder, public health, territory, virus, World Health Organization, Article, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, geographic distribution, hemagglutination inhibition test, human, molecular genetics, mosquito, neurologic disease, nonhuman, polymerase chain reaction, seroprevalence, vaccination, virus detection, virus isolation, virus neutralization, virus transmission, world health organization, Zika fever, animal, epidemic, geography, global health, history, microcephaly, pathogenicity, pathophysiology, rhesus monkey, transmission, virology

Significance Statement:

Zika: The origin and spread of a mosquito-borne virus, [Zika: Origine et propagation d’un virus transmis par des moustiques], [El zika: El origen y la propagación de un virus transmitido por mosquitos]

Kindhauser M.K., Allen T., Frank V., Santhana R.S., Dye C.

This comprehensive study traces the evolution and global spread of the Zika virus from its discovery in Uganda in 1947 to its status as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2016. It highlights the virus's transformation from a mild illness in equatorial Africa and Asia to a more severe disease causing large outbreaks and serious complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. This research underscores the dynamic nature of infectious diseases and the importance of continuous monitoring and research to understand and respond to emerging global health threats​​.

Bulletin of the World Health Organization

2016

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