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Zika virus transmission spreads in South, Central America
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WHO recently confirmed that several autochthonous cases of Zika virus transmission were reported in Paraguay, Venezuela and Mexico.
Six febrile patients who tested negative for dengue and chikungunya were diagnosed with Zika virus infection in Pedro Caballero, Paraguay. The region shares borders with Brazil, which recently reported the first two Zika virus-related deaths and linked the virus to an unusual increase in microcephaly cases. Brazilian health authorities reported nearly 1,250 suspected microcephaly cases on Nov. 30.
Officials in Venezuela also announced Zika virus transmission, with seven suspected cases reported on Nov. 27. Four positive cultures identified by reverse transcription PCR were reconfirmed by Colombia’s National Institute of Health. All cases were women from areas that share Brazilian borders.
Mexican health officials reported three additional cases of Zika virus transmission, including two autochthonous cases and one imported case who traveled to Colombia.
Due to the increased transmission of Zika virus, the Pan American Health Organization and WHO representatives recommend that member states in affected regions monitor cases of Zika virus infection and prepare all levels of health services for potential outbreaks. They also recommend developing a public communications strategy to reduce transmission, particularly in regions where the vector exists.