Abstract

During the summer of 2015–16 Zika virus generated a global alarm. Its rapid spread in America and other continents, the wide distribution and dispersal capacity of it vectors and its association with serious neurological and congenital complications such as Guillain Barré syndrome and microcephaly, have motivated the concern of governments and health organizations. Since the big epidemic outbreak in 2015, the scientific community have increased the research efforts on the virus, generating significant advances and contributions which are focused on control, prevention, and treatment of the virus infection. This study presents the current state of knowledge regarding this virus, taking as background part of the most relevant published reviews and articles on the field. Finally, a series of future perspectives and challenges on the virus management are discussed.