Zika

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.

“The rise in the spread of Zika virus in Brazil has been accompanied by an unprecedented rise in the number of children being born with unusually small heads—identified as microcephaly. In addition, several countries, including Brazil, reported a steep increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome—a neurological disorder that could lead to paralysis and death. Based on research, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.” World Health Organization

On February 1, 2016, WHO declared the cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders a public health emergency of international concern (IPHE), which may reduce the number of visitors to the Rio Olympics in 2016. The designation has been applied in the past to the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the influenza pandemic in 2009, and the polio outbreak in Syria in 2013. South Korea held an emergency meeting in response to the WHO declaration in February 2, 2016.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also transmits chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. The Culex mosquito may also transmit Zika.

A study, conducted by Fiocruz Pernambuco, detected the presence of Zika virus in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. These samples were collected in Recife, Brazil, in houses where people had Zika. Further studies are needed on the transmission potential of the Culex. WHO continues to update information and recommendations as more research contributes to the growing knowledge base on Zika virus and its complications.

Zika virus can also be transmitted through sex and has been detected in semen, blood, urine, amniotic fluids, saliva as well as body fluids found in the brain and spinal cord.

Countries and territories with reported confirmed autochthonous vector-borne transmission  of Zika virus infection in the past three months   – Updated 18th December 2017

The classification of countries above is based on: 1) number of reported autochthonous confirmed cases; 2) number of countries who report a zika virus transmission or a country’s transmission status changes; 3) duration of the circulation.
For more information: Worldwide Zika Transmission