Officials with the Madeira Health Department are reporting two imported Zika virus cases in women who traveled to Brazil, according to a news release (computer translated).
One Zika case is being investigated to determine if it was sexually transmitted.
Mosquito borne infections are not unknown to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. In 2012-2013, officials reported an outbreak of locally transmitted dengue fever, in which 2170 cases were reported.
Madeira does have the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the vector for Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever.
“Every European country in which Aedes mosquitoes are present can be at risk for the spread of Zika virus disease,” said WHO Europe chief Zsuzsanna Jakab.
Last month, The World Health Organization’s Europe chief said the risk of the virus spreading around Europe would increase in spring and summer as temperatures warm up.
Related:
- India adds rotavirus vaccine to immunization schedule: ‘historic moment’
- Zika sexual transmission: CDC updates interim guidance to include 6 months abstaining from sex
- Nevada: 1st Zika case reported, Clark County resident who traveled to Guatemala
One thought on “Madeira reports two imported Zika cases”