Zika Virus Outbreaks Confirmed in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently stated, 'Despite a global reduction in Zika cases since 2017, the circulation of this mosquito-borne virus has been confirmed in 89 countries around the world.'

The PAHO's data dashboard was updated on January 30, 2024, identifying 24 Zika virus cases in the Region of the Americas in 2024.

The PAHO listed Columbia (21) and Peru (3).

In 2023, the PAHO reported 35,549 Zika cases in the Americas, led by Brazil, with 33,863 cases.

In the United States, Puerto Rico reported 46 Zika cases last year.

"Most infections with this virus are asymptomatic or mild, making their detection by healthcare systems quite challenging," commented María Van Kerkhove, Head of the Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO) in September 2023.

With regard to complications from a Zika infection, the WHO warns that pregnant women are particularly susceptible to its effects since it can lead to congenital malformations, such as microcephaly, as well as an increased likelihood of preterm births or spontaneous abortions.

From a protection perspective, no specific antiviral treatment is available for Zika virus disease, nor has a Zika vaccine candidate been approved in 2024.