Puerto Rico's Probable Zika Outbreak Continues

The Zika virus continues to be a problem in many parts of the world and is often tough to detect. So when considering your next Caribbean travel destination, calculating your ability to protect yourself from mosquito bites is essential.

The Puerto Rico Department of Health Weekly Arboviral Diseases report indicates the Zika virus continues to infect people in 2022. 

The Report published on Feb. 14, 2022, shows (1) new 'probable' Zika cases confirmed in the San Juan, Puerto Rico vicinity.

These Zika cases are in addition to the (101) probable cases reported during 2021, with (10) near the city of San Juan.

The term "probable cases" is defined as infections with a positive serological test (IgM). 

Unfortunately, since Zika virus antibodies can persist for years after infection, serology cannot distinguish between a recent or past infection.

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2020, there were (4) locally acquired Zika cases and (47) travel-related.

And none in 2021.

The CDC hosts a world map that displays Zika cases.

As of Feb. 20, 2022, the U.S. FDA has not authorized a Zika vaccine. However, several Zika vaccine candidates are conducting human clinical trials listed on this web page.