Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Transmission of Zika Virus - Haiti, October 12, 2015-September 10, 2016
Abstract:
Zika virus disease is caused by infection with a flavivirus with broad geographic distribution and is most frequently transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease was first identified in the World Health Organization's Region of the Americas in 2015 and was followed by a surge in reported cases of congenital microcephaly in Brazil; Zika virus disease rapidly spread to the rest of the region and the Caribbean (1), including Haiti. Infection with the virus is associated with adverse fetal outcomes (1) and rare neurologic complications in adults. The magnitude of public health issues associated with Zika virus led the World Health Organization to declare the Zika virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016 (2). Because many persons with mild Zika virus disease are asymptomatic and might not seek care, it is difficult to estimate the actual incidence of Zika virus infection. During October 12, 2015-September 10, 2016, the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population (Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population [MSPP]) detected 3,036 suspected cases of Zika virus infection in the general population, 22 suspected cases of Zika virus disease among pregnant women, 13 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and 29 suspected cases of Zika-associated congenital microcephaly. Nineteen (0.6%) patients with suspected Zika virus disease, residing in Ouest (10 patients), Artibonite (six), and Centre (three) administrative departments,* have been confirmed by laboratory testing, including two among pregnant women and 17 in the general population. Ongoing laboratory-enhanced surveillance to monitor Zika virus disease in Haiti is important to understanding the outbreak and ensuring effective response activities.
Insights
Zika virus disease, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, spread rapidly in the Americas, including Haiti. Surveillance confirmed 19 Zika virus cases, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to manage public health risks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Zika virus disease, a flavivirus infection primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, emerged in the Americas in 2015.
- The outbreak was associated with congenital microcephaly and neurological complications, prompting a Public Health Emergency of International Concern declaration in 2016.
- Haiti reported numerous suspected Zika virus cases, including among pregnant women and those with neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the incidence and confirmation of Zika virus disease in Haiti.
- To highlight the importance of laboratory-enhanced surveillance for understanding the outbreak.
- To inform public health response activities in Haiti.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance data collection by the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) from October 2015 to September 2016.
- Laboratory confirmation of suspected Zika virus disease cases.
- Tracking of suspected cases including general population, pregnant women, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and congenital microcephaly.
Main Results:
- Over 3,000 suspected Zika virus cases were detected in Haiti.
- Nineteen cases (0.6%) were laboratory-confirmed, including two pregnant women.
- Confirmed cases were concentrated in the Ouest, Artibonite, and Centre departments.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory confirmation is crucial for accurate Zika virus disease surveillance in Haiti.
- Ongoing monitoring is essential for managing the public health impact of Zika virus.
- Findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and response efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
00:58Symbiosis