Detection of Autochthonous Zika Virus Transmission in Sincelejo, Colombia

Abstract

Zika virus is an arthropodborne member of the genus Flavivirus of the Spondweni serocomplex and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (primarily Ae. aegypti in urban and periurban cycles). Zika virus emerged in Africa and has caused outbreaks of febrile disease that clinically resemble dengue fever and other arboviral diseases (1) but has been linked to neurologic syndromes and congenital malformation (2). Outbreaks have been reported in the Yap islands of the Federated States of Micronesia (3), French Polynesia (4), and Oceania; Brazil is currently experiencing the first reported local transmission of Zika virus in the Americas (5).

The future spread of Zika virus is unpredictable, but the history of the virus has been reminiscent of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which reemerged in Africa and now circulates on all inhabited continents and is a major global health problem. Zika virus has been found in Colombia and is likely following the path of CHIKV, which reached the country in August 2014 (6). The virus co-circulates with other Ae. aegypti–transmitted arboviruses, including dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus. We report Zika virus infection in Colombia and a recent ongoing outbreak in Sincelejo, Colombia, with resulting illness characterized by maculopapular rash, fever, myalgia/arthralgia, and conjunctivitis.