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Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
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First record of Zika virus in Yemen

Rania Nada1, Hanan El Mohammady2, Isabelle Nakhla2

  • 1U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit - EURAFCENT, Egypt.

Current Research in Parasitology & Vector-Borne Diseases
|May 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been detected for the first time in Yemen. This discovery in acute febrile patients underscores the urgent need for improved ZIKV surveillance across the Arabian Peninsula.

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.
Keywords:
Aedes aegyptiDengueYemenZika virus

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