First record of Zika virus in Yemen

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
• Yemen's geographical location and mosquito presence suggested potential ZIKV risk.
• No prior ZIKV cases had been documented in Yemen or the Arabian Peninsula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of ZIKV in patients with acute febrile illness in Yemen.
• To establish the first record of ZIKV in Yemen and the broader Arabian Peninsula.
• To inform and enhance regional public health surveillance strategies.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was employed for ZIKV detection.
• A cohort of 186 patients presenting with acute febrile symptoms was screened.
• Diagnostic testing focused on identifying active ZIKV infection.

Main Results:

• Zika virus RNA was detected in 8 out of 186 screened patients (4.3% prevalence).
• This represents the inaugural identification of ZIKV in Yemen.
• The findings confirm ZIKV circulation in the Arabian Peninsula.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence of Zika virus in Yemen, marking its first detection in the country and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Enhanced and sustained regional surveillance for ZIKV is crucial for early detection and response.
• Public health authorities should prioritize ZIKV monitoring and control measures in affected areas.