Zika Virus in Central America
December 23rd, 2015What is the current situation?
In November 2015, the first local transmission of Zika virus infection in Central America was reported in El Salvador. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika virus, spreading it to humans. Zika virus is now being reported in other countries in Central America.
As of December 18, 2015, the following Central American countries have reported cases of Zika virus:
- El Salvador(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/el-salvador)
- Guatemala(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala)
- Honduras(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/honduras)
- Panama(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/panama)
CDC recommends that travelers to Central America protect themselves from mosquito bites(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites). The Ministry of Health of Brazil is concerned about a possible association between the Zika virus outbreak and increased numbers of babies born with birth defects. For this reason, pregnant women should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.