Introduction: According to Zika virus outbreaks in 47 countries and due to the risk of outbreaks in Iran as a result of travel to Brazil Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics, which is a common area for Aedes mosquitoes, Zika virus familiarity and introduction is important.Objective: This study aimed at increasing familiarity with the Zika virus.Materials and Methods: This paper is a review article that includes papers available on Google, CDC, Sid, Google Scholar (2016).Results: Since the Zika virus emergency was introduced by the World Health Organization and given the importance of this issue, this paper aimed to increase familiarity with the virus, disease, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies, and to provide recommendations for pregnant females.Discussion and Conclusion: Due to transmission of the Zika virus and the suitability of our country for the spread of the virus, due to travel to common areas, screening and prevention of the spread of the virus is of great importance.

Zika virus is a member of Flaviviridae viruses, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and this is the same mosquito that transmits other infections such as dengue fever and yellow fever (1, 2). Zika virus was also found in the semen of a man at least two weeks after he was infected with Zika fever (3). In year 2015, the virus was reported in South American countries (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa. In addition, morethan 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic cases of Zika virus infection (4-6).

Zika virus is an Arbovirus identified first time in 1947 in Uganda. Zika epidemic is a threat far greater than the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization has urged Asian countries to be vigilant about the risk of spreading Zika virus and preventive measures to control it. In Iran, 64 species of mosquitoes from Culicidea family have been reported three of which belong to the Aedes genus, and one of which is Aedes albopictus. Iran also has suitable climate for endemic transmission of Zika virus. Immigrants from neighboring countries for economic reasons, could increase the risk of disease transmission in Iran. The destination countries of Iranian passengers, especially in East Asia, are at risk or have been reported to have cases of Zika. So, traveling to areas where active Zika virus exists and its transmission is common, could potentially increase the risk of transmission of Zika. Close supervision alongside the borders is necessary when foreign people arrive in the country.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is the focus of an ongoing pandemic and public health emergency (1, 2). Previously limited to sporadic cases in AfricaandAsia, the emergence of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015 heralded its rapid spread throughout the Americas. As the Zika virus has widely spread in less than a year, its status has changed from a mild medical curiosity to a disease with severe public health implications (3).

Will Zika virus (ZIKV) infection as a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms similar to flu difficult to diagnose? . . .

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is becoming a new global threat. Currently, serologic (ELISA) and molecular (RT-PCR) testing make the diagnosis of Zika virus infection. There is no specific drug available for Zika virus infection, and treatment is supportive based on reducing symptoms of disease. Protection against mosquito bites is the most effective way to prevent the infection. In this systematic review, all of the English published papers on Zika virus were assessed before December 2017, and were overviewed. Bibliographic databases had searched including; PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and Science Direct by using the keywords such as; “ Zika virus” , “ Zika fever” , and “ Zika infection” . In this review, the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, transmission, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Zika virus infection were discussed.

Gender equity is easily supported in theory but harder to pursue in practice. In this article, the case of Zika travel policies is used to illustrate some glaring gaps related to gender, for both men and women, at both international and national levels. Zika travel policies have not considered new evidence on biological or social determinants of health, putting babies at risk of exposure. The authors suggest best practices at the international level, such as developing pre-organized gender committees to provide actionable and swift advice for international infectious disease policies; at the national level, such as promoting holistic policies addressing mosquito control and sex and gender considerations, including access to reproductive health services; and at the local level, such as education on local infectious diseases. These deliberations are especially important with emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), as little may be known about them. New knowledge needs to be translated in a timely fashion in order to shape effective and equitable policies.

Dear Editor, The publication on prevention of Zika virus (ZIKV) disease is very interesting. [1] Passi et al. noted that “ Basic preventive measures for infection primarily revolve around traditional methods of checking mosquito populations, reducing breeding sites, and avoiding mosquito bites. [1]” The above‑ mentioned preventive measure is important. Nevertheless, the extension of the prevention to cover other possible modes of ZIKV transmission is needed. At least, safe sex and use of contraception are generally recommended during the highly epidemic situation. [2] Family planning is recommended for any women in the endemic area during the outbreak period...