Current Perspective of Zika Virus and Vaccine Development

Abstract

In our previous review published in 2017 on the Zika virus pandemic sweeping the Western World, we mentioned that understanding viral pandemics and vaccine preparedness is vital to combating new outbreaks. In this review, we discuss key updated aspects of the Zika virus in terms of its origin, present status, and prognosis. We also discuss developments in the preventive measure of designing a vaccine to limit the fatal effects of the virus in its current or mutated form. By summarizing updated knowledge of the Zika virus and its effects, we aim to understand how modern technology may help in this objective and how we can apply our knowledge to help mitigate the crises caused by other deadly viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).