Mapping Zika in municipalities of one coastal department of Colombia (Sucre) using geographic information systems during the 2015-2016 outbreak: implications for public health and travel advice

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection emerged in 2015 as one of the most significant tropical infectious diseases in Latin America, following the geographical distribution of chikungunya virus (CHIKV). These viruses share high transmissibility due to the extended presence of the main vector mosquito Aedes aegypti in the region. Travelers to endemic areas in Latin American countries should be aware of the risk of exposure to infection through mosquito bites when visiting these areas. In order to provide useful advice for travelers, epidemiological information is of the utmost importance. Such advice includes the availability of detailed maps in order to assess the risk when visiting a specific destination.4, 5 We have developed among the first published epidemiological maps for ZIKV in Colombia using geographical information systems (GIS) in the department of Sucre, which is located in one of the main tourist regions of the country (Caribbean coast region). We have previously provided GIS-based epidemiological maps for CHIKV for this region.