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First documented case of Zika virus infection in a Polish patient - diagnostic traps. Case report
Aleksandra Marta Spychał1, Barbara Oczko-Grzesik1, Katarzyna Pancer2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne virus of the Flaviviridae family, has been reported in 89 countries. While ZIKV is not endemic in Poland, travel to regions with Aedes mosquitoes prevalence, presents a risk. This case report describes Poland's first ZIKV case in a patient with past Dengue virus (DENV) infection, following travel with his wife in 2016 to the Dominican Republic. Symptoms included fever, maculopapular rash, muscle pain, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and lumbar pain. Hospital tests confirmed ZIKV, as well as possible simultaneous DENV infection. Further RT-PCR and serology tests were performed to exclude cross-reactivity. After 12 weeks, ZIKV RNA was detected in seminal fluid. Elevated IgG levels indicated prior DENV infection, while Dengue virus' antigen of non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen tests ruled out acute DENV. These findings impacted the couple's reproductive plans due to potential ZIKV transmission and patient's risk of secondary infection.
Insights
Poland’s first Zika virus (ZIKV) case involved a traveler returning from the Dominican Republic. The patient had a past Dengue virus (DENV) infection, and ZIKV RNA was later detected in his seminal fluid.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV), a Flaviviridae family member, is mosquito-borne and present in 89 countries.
- While not endemic in Poland, ZIKV poses a risk to travelers visiting regions with Aedes mosquito prevalence.
- This report details the first documented ZIKV case in Poland.
