Zika virus in India: past, present and future.

This article focuses on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and prevention of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in India. ZIKV, an arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, has caused sporadic cases and outbreaks globally, with major outbreaks in Yap Islands (2007), French Polynesia (2013–14), South America (2015–16), and more recently in India's Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states (2018). Indian outbreaks involved the Asian lineage of ZIKV and were not associated with neurological complications such as Guillain–Barre syndrome or microcephaly, unlike some international outbreaks. Diagnosis relies on molecular and serological testing, complicated by cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses like dengue, and treatment remains supportive. Given the widespread presence of Aedes mosquitoes and ongoing surveillance efforts, the article emphasizes the need for strengthened vector control, diagnostic capacity, and research to prevent future large-scale outbreaks in India.