Initial experience with imported Zika virus infection in Spain

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have significantly increased in Europe due to global outbreaks and travel.
• Travelers and immigrants from ZIKV-endemic regions pose a risk for disease importation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze imported Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in travelers returning to Spain.
• To assess the clinical and microbiological characteristics of ZIKV cases.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study was conducted on travelers returning from ZIKV-endemic areas between January and April 2016.
• Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were collected and analyzed for 185 screened patients.

Main Results:

• 13 patients (7%) were diagnosed with ZIKV infection, predominantly symptomatic individuals from Colombia.
• Four pregnant women were diagnosed with ZIKV; their pregnancies showed no abnormalities via neurosonography.
• Diagnostic methods included positive neutralization antibodies and RT-PCR in various bodily fluids.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the largest cohort of imported ZIKV cases in Spain to date.
• Clinicians should maintain high awareness of ZIKV outbreaks and affected regions for accurate differential diagnosis in travelers.