Travel-Associated Zika Virus Disease Cases Among U.S. Residents

A new MMWR report by Armstrong, et al., "Travel-Associated Zika Virus Disease Cases Among U.S. Residents," shows that from Jan. 1, 2015 through Feb. 26, 2016, a total of 116 residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia had laboratory evidence of recent Zika virus infection based on testing performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including one congenital infection and 115 persons who reported recent travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission (n = 110) or sexual contact with such a traveler (n = 5).

Healthcare providers should educate patients about the risks for Zika virus disease and measures to prevent Zika virus infection and other mosquito-borne infections. Zika virus disease should be considered in patients with acute onset of fever, rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis who traveled to areas with ongoing transmission or had unprotected sex with someone who traveled to those areas and developed compatible symptoms within two weeks of returning.

To read further from the MMWR, CLICK HERE.

Reference: Armstrong P, Hennessey M, Adams M, et al. Travel-Associated Zika Virus Disease Cases Among U.S. Residents - United States, January 2015–February 2016. MMWR. March 18, 2016.

Source: CDC