The Zika virus

Zika is a disease that has been on the increase in Brazil from 2014 to the present day. The vector that causes it is the Aedes aegypti, which, through its bite, can transmit the virus, causing microcephaly and leaving several lifelong consequences. In addition to the increase in cases of microcephaly, the Zika virus generates major problems that involve the whole of society and the country’s economy, such as the cost of medical treatment for microcephalic children and their families, as their families will stop working to support and monitor their treatment, and also the cost of basic sanitation, as a key factor in combating the mosquito and drawing up public policies. This study analysed these economic and environmental aspects in order to understand the influence of the virus and the factors that have led to the growth of the vector. A literature search was carried out to understand the effects of the Zika virus and its economic, social and environmental impacts. In this work, the economic costs related to microcephaly, the loss of income of the child’s family members and the country’s investment in basic sanitation were reported.