Zika virus in the shadows: an underrecognized contributor to Nigeria’s febrile disease landscape
- Authors: Agbajelola V.I.1,2, Oluwadare F.A.1, Hamman M.M.2, Lateef A.M.2
-
Affiliations:
- University of Ibadan
- University of Missouri
- Issue: Vol 70, No 4 (2025)
- Pages: 317-323
- Section: REVIEWS
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/0507-4088/article/view/330067
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.36233/0507-4088-328
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/bimlfa
- ID: 330067
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Abstract
Background. Zika virus (Orthoflavivirus zikaense), a mosquito-borne virus in the family Flaviviridae and genus Orthoflavivirus, has garnered international attention due to its neurological and congenital impacts. Although endemic to Africa, its presence in Nigeria remains poorly understood and often overshadowed by other febrile illnesses such as malaria and dengue. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 to explore the epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, and public health implications of ZIKV in Nigeria.
Materials and methods. A narrative synthesis of studies reporting ZIKV infection in Nigeria was conducted using targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journals Online. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed articles in English reporting serological or molecular data from human or vector populations.
Results. Evidence from eleven studies across ten states shows seroprevalence of ZIKV ranging from 1.4% to over 50%, particularly among pregnant women and febrile patients. Diagnostic gaps, including symptom overlap and serological cross-reactivity, contribute to underreporting. Co-endemicity with other arboviruses and limited surveillance further obscure ZIKV’s public health impact.
Conclusion. ZIKV likely circulates silently in Nigeria, sustained by ecological and infrastructural factors. Fragmented vector control, inadequate diagnostics, and lack of integrated arboviral surveillance hinder timely recognition. Lessons from other Aedes-borne viruses should inform a more unified and proactive national strategy.
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##article.viewOnOriginalSite##About the authors
Victor I. Agbajelola
University of Ibadan; University of Missouri
Author for correspondence.
Email: agbajelolavictor@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7289-7764
Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Ibadan; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri
Nigeria, Oyo State; Columbia 65211, MO, USAFranklyn A. Oluwadare
University of Ibadan
Email: aoluwadare292@stu.ui.edu.ng
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-0134-7130
Vaccine Production and Quality Control Program, Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, Including (Health and Agriculture) – PAULESI
Nigeria, Oyo StateMark M. Hamman
University of Missouri
Email: mhgkv@missouri.edu
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2237-6813
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
United States, Columbia 65211, MOAdeola M. Lateef
University of Missouri
Email: amorff@missouri.edu
ORCID iD: 0009-0000-9710-740X
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
United States, Columbia 65211, MOReferences
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