Zika Cases Increase 14% in the Americas in 2024

The U.K. Travel Health Pro confirmed today that all travelers to areas where the Zika virus is known to occur are at risk of infection, although determining the actual level of risk is complex.

For example, travelers who spend even short-term vacations in endemic areas may be exposed to the mosquito-transmitted virus.

On December 18, 2024, the U.K. highlighted Zika cases in the Region of the Americas, specifically in the Federative Republic of Brazil.

So far this year, over 40,891 cases have been reported. Last year, the PAHO had 35,962 Zika cases.

This PAHO data indicates a 14% increase in Zika cases over 2023.

Seperately, the U.S. CDC reported 19 non-congenital Zika cases in U.S. residents (1 imported case in Texas) in 2024. In 2023, the CDC reported five non-congenital cases in U.S. residents and 27 in U.S. territories.

In the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico, the Department of Health says that Zika-spreading mosquitoes are found throughout the island.

The CDC says that if you are pregnant, you should avoid traveling to Zika outbreak destinations. If travel is unavoidable, you should strictly follow Zika prevention recommendations.

From a disease prevention perspective, Zika vaccine candidates continue conducting clinical trials, but none have been approved for use in the U.S.