Health officials in Nicaragua and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao have reported autochthonous, or local transmission of Zika virus, according to each of the local health departments.
In Nicaragua, health officials say (computer translated) three cases have been reported out of Managua. In Curacao, the case was reported on Jan. 28., according to health officials (computer translated).
This brings the list of countries and territories with autochthonous transmission of Zika to 24 in the Americas.
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne said Thursday that Zika virus is spreading rapidly through the Americas and could potentially reach all countries except Canada and continental Chile.
She added, however, that the countries of the Americas have been responding robustly to the Zika threat in collaboration with PAHO/WHO and other international partners. “PAHO is a region with long experience in tackling mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya,” Etienne said.
Related:
- Zika vaccine and diagnostics: A statement from NIH’s Dr Anthony Fauci
- Zika virus confirmed in Jamaica
- Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to Gov. Ige on dengue outbreak: Appoint a Dengue Czar
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