Puerto Rico's Zika Outbreak Reaches 21 Probable Patients

The recent Aboviral Diseases Report of the Puerto Rico Department of Health indicates the Zika virus has returned in 2023.

As of May 5, 2023, Report #17 data indicates 21 probable Zika cases were confirmed in 2023.

Since its first detection in March 2014, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has confirmed local transmission of Zika in all countries and territories in the Region of the Americas, except for continental Chile, Uruguay, and Canada.

In 2022, Barbados had the highest Zika incidence and case fatality rate. Other Zika outbreak countries were Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica.

Zika is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, says the PAHO. About 25% of infected people may develop symptoms. The illness is usually mild, lasting between two and seven days.

However, the Puerto Rico Department of Health and the U.S. CDC surveyed women who gave birth to infants from August to December 2016.

This survey determined there are no known ways to prevent the adverse effects of Zika infection during pregnancy.

One is Microcephaly, a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than expected. 

As of May 11, 2023, there are no approved vaccines to prevent Zika infections.