Given the increase of congenital anomalies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other neurological and autoimmune syndromes in areas where Zika virus is circulating and their possible relation to the virus, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recommends its Member States establish and maintain the capacity to detect and confirm Zika virus cases, prepare healthcare facilities for the possible increase in demand at all healthcare levels and specialized care for neurological syndromes, and to strengthen antenatal care. In addition, Member States should continue efforts to reduce the presence of mosquito vectors through an effective vector control strategy and public communication.
Situation summary
Autochthonous transmission of Zika virus
As of 1 December 2015, nine Member States in the Americas have confirmed autochthonous circulation of Zika virus: Brazil, Chile (on Easter Island), Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico,
Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela.1 Autochthonous circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was first confirmed in February of 2014 on Easter Island, Chile, and cases were reported there up to June of 2014.
In May 2015, the first autochthonous cases of Zika virus in Brazil were confirmed. As of 1 December 2015, a total of 18 states in Brazil have confirmed autochthonous circulation: North region (Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Tocantins), Northeast region (Alagoas, Bahía, Ceará,
Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte), Southeast region (Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo), Central-West region (Mato Grosso), and South region (Paraná)(1).
In October 2015, the Colombia health authorities notified the detection of the first autochthonous case of Zika virus infection in the state of Bolívar.2 To date, 26 out of 36 territorial entities in Colombia have reported autochthonous circulation of the virus (2).
Additionally, in November 2015, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela each confirmed autochthonous circulation of Zika virus.