The Zika Virus has Arrived in the United States

Abstract

Current media broadcasts have been reporting about the rapidly spreading outbreaks
of the Zika virus now identified in South and Central America, as well as Mexico, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and now in the United States. Focal activity of the Aedes species mosquito
that transmits the Zika virus to humans through its bite, has been reported in South Florida.
Prior to 2007, Zika was not reported outside of Africa and Asia, but since it was discovered
recently in Brazil in 2015, the virus has swiftly spread across several continents.
Zika is transmitted to humans by an infected mosquito bite during a blood meal by the
Aedes species. They are also responsible for the transmission of dengue fever and chikungunya viruses. Unlike other species of mosquitos, the Aedes mosquitos often hide indoors and in
shaded areas and are aggressive daytime biters, thus making it very challenging to prevent the
spread of infections.1
Transmission occurs perinatally, in utero, sexual contact, blood transfusions and bodily fluids. To date, transmission through breastfeeding has not been reported, but
limited studies are available, therefore absolute conclusions about modes of transmission cannot be determined at this time.