MCQ Detailed View

The Zika virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It was first discovered in 1947 when researchers were studying yellow fever in a rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest of Uganda, near Entebbe. Later in 1948, the virus was also found in Aedes mosquitoes in the same forest, confirming its transmission route. This forest became so important in the history of virology that the virus was named directly after it.

The Zika virus primarily spreads through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting other diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Human infections with Zika virus were rare and sporadic for decades after its discovery, but major outbreaks started occurring in the Pacific islands in the 2000s and later spread widely across South and Central America around 2015–2016.

Clinically, Zika virus infections are usually mild, with symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. However, its global concern grew when it was linked to serious complications such as microcephaly (a birth defect) in babies born to infected mothers and Guillain–Barré syndrome in some adults. This transformed Zika from a little-known virus into a public health emergency.

Looking at the options:

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  Nigeria and Angola are African countries but not related to the discovery of Zika virus.

  
  


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  Zimbabwe also has no historical connection.

  
  


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  Uganda is correct because the Zika Forest in Uganda is where the virus was first isolated and named.

  
  

In conclusion, the Zika virus takes its name from the Zika Forest in Uganda, making Uganda the correct answer.