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The Zika virus: Lurking behind the COVID-19 pandemic?
Pergolizzi, Joseph; LeQuang, Jo Ann; Umeda-Raffa, Sumiyo; Fleischer, Charles; Pergolizzi, Joseph; Pergolizzi, Claudio; Raffa, Robert B.
  • Pergolizzi J; Neumentum Inc., Summit, NJ, USA.
  • LeQuang JA; NEMA Research Inc., Naples, FL, USA.
  • Umeda-Raffa S; NEMA Research Inc., Naples, FL, USA.
  • Fleischer C; Pharmaceutical Sciences (Form. Faculty), Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Japan.
  • Pergolizzi J; NEMA Research Inc., Naples, FL, USA.
  • Pergolizzi C; NEMA Research Inc., Naples, FL, USA.
  • Raffa RB; NEMA Research Inc., Naples, FL, USA.
J Clin Pharm Ther ; 46(2): 267-276, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-939767
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.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Disease Transmission, Infectious / Zika Virus / Zika Virus Infection Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Clin Pharm Ther Journal subject: Pharmacy / Therapeutics Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jcpt.13310

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Communicable Disease Control / Disease Transmission, Infectious / Zika Virus / Zika Virus Infection Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Clin Pharm Ther Journal subject: Pharmacy / Therapeutics Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jcpt.13310