Virus
Zika virus
Aedes flavivirus, congenital microcephaly
ZEE-kuh VY-rus
High-yield clue
Aedes flavivirus classically linked to congenital microcephaly, and it can also spread sexually and across the placenta.
Overview
A positive-sense single-stranded RNA flavivirus spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes but also by sexual and vertical (mother-to-fetus) routes, studied for its link to congenital malformations.
Classification
- Flaviviridae
- Genus Orthoflavivirus
- Positive-sense ssRNA
- Enveloped
- Arbovirus
Lab & identification clues
- RNA detection (NAAT) vocabulary
- Flavivirus serologic cross-reactivity concept
- Neurotropism study framing
Associations
- Aedes vector plus sexual and vertical transmission
- Congenital Zika syndrome and microcephaly vocabulary
- Guillain-Barre syndrome association
- Explosive outbreak epidemiology
Commonly confused with
- Dengue virus
- Rubella virus
Frequently asked questions
What is Zika virus?
A positive-sense single-stranded RNA flavivirus spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes but also by sexual and vertical (mother-to-fetus) routes, studied for its link to congenital malformations.
What are the lab clues for Zika virus?
Lab clues for Zika virus include RNA detection (NAAT) vocabulary, Flavivirus serologic cross-reactivity concept, and Neurotropism study framing.
What is Zika virus commonly confused with?
Zika virus is commonly confused with Dengue virus and Rubella virus.
Original student-study summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or specimen-handling guidance.