17 July 2007

Zika virus outbreak in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia

An outbreak of Zika virus has been reported by Yap State Department of Health Services [1,2]. The outbreak began in April 2007, and peaked in late May, although cases continue to be reported. As of 13 July 2007, 60 confirmed cases were reported and an additional 67 probable cases presented to Yap Memorial Hospital and were awaiting lab test results.

Zika virus

Zika virus is a flavivirus, similar to the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes.

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 [1], and has been occasionally reported in South East Asia and west, central and east Africa [3]. It has a reservoir in non-human primates.

Symptoms of Zika virus infection include fever, headache, rash, conjunctivitis and pain in the smaller joints of the hands and feet. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection, and no specific treatment.

Advice for travellers

This outbreak highlights the risk of insect borne diseases for travellers to tropical or sub-tropical areas of the world. Other insect borne diseases include malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever.

Travellers should ensure that they have received appropriate vaccinations before travel by consulting their practice nurse or specialist travel clinic before departure.

There are no vaccines to protect against dengue or Zika virus infection; therefore travellers to risk areas are advised to practice insect bite avoidance measures. The mosquitoes that transmit dengue and Zika virus are predominantly day biting.

References

1. ProMed-mail. Zika virus – Micronesia: Yap (03). ProMED mail 2007; 6 Jul: 20070706.2157. [accessed 17 July 2007] http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:5749086

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_PUB_MAIL_ID:1010,38228

2. ProMed-mail. Zika virus – Micronesia: Yap (04). ProMED mail 2007; 13 Jul: 20070713.2252. [accessed 17 July 2007] http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:7775852

284834753572::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001

_PUB_MAIL_ID:1010,38349

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Zika virus outbreak, Yap (federated States of Micronesia). 6 July 2007. [accessed 17 July 2007] Available at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2007/zika_virus_yap_micronesia.

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Links

NaTHNaC insect bite avoidance information sheet

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/misc/travellers_mos.htm