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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
A new reportable disease is born: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control's response to emerging Zika virus infection
Angela Song-En Huang1, Pei-Yun Shu2, Chin-Hui Yang1
1Division of Acute Infectious Diseases, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Zika virus infection, usually a mild disease transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitos, has been reported to be possibly associated with microcephaly and neurologic complications. Taiwan's first imported case of Zika virus infection was found through fever screening at airport entry in January 2016. No virus was isolated from patient's blood taken during acute illness; however, PCR products showed that the virus was of Asian lineage closely related to virus from Cambodia. To prevent Zika virus from spreading in Taiwan, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control has strengthened efforts in quarantine and surveillance, increased Zika virus infection diagnostic capacity, implemented healthcare system preparedness plans, and enhanced vector control program through community mobilization and education. Besides the first imported case, no additional cases of Zika virus infection have been identified. Furthermore, no significant increase in the number of microcephaly or Guillain- Barré Syndrome has been observed in Taiwan. To date, there have been no autochthonous transmissions of Zika virus infection.
Insights
Taiwan reported its first imported Zika virus case in 2016. Public health measures prevented local spread, with no further cases or associated neurological complications observed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus infection, typically mild, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and has been linked to microcephaly and neurological issues.
- Taiwan identified its first imported Zika virus case in January 2016 via airport screening.
Observation:
- The imported case's blood sample did not yield an isolated virus, but PCR analysis confirmed an Asian lineage related to Cambodian strains.
- Rigorous public health interventions were implemented, including enhanced quarantine, surveillance, diagnostics, healthcare preparedness, and community-based vector control.
Findings:
- No additional Zika virus infections were detected in Taiwan following the initial imported case.
- No significant increase in microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases was observed.
- There have been no instances of autochthonous (locally transmitted) Zika virus infections in Taiwan to date.
Implications:
- Taiwan's public health strategies were effective in preventing the local transmission and spread of Zika virus.
- The findings underscore the importance of robust surveillance and control measures for imported infectious diseases.
- Continued vigilance is necessary to monitor for potential future introductions and manage arboviral threats.
