Between 1 January 2007 and 17 February 2016, a total of 48 countries and territories reported local (autochthonous) transmission of Zika virus, including those where the outbreak is now over, and including countries and territories that provided indirect evidence of local transmission. Among the 48 countries and territories, Aruba and Bonaire are the latest to report autochthonous transmission of Zika virus.

Geographical distribution of Zika virus has steadily broadened since the virus was first detected in the America in 2015. Zika transmission has been reported in 28 countries/territories. The discovery of Zika virus in additional countries within the geographical range of competent mosquito vectors — especially Aedes aegypti— is considered likely.

Six countries/territories (Brazil, French Polynesia, El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Suriname) have reported an increase in the incidence of cases of microcephaly and/or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following a Zika virus outbreak. Microcephaly has so far been reported only from Brazil and French Polynesia. Puerto Rico and Martinique have also reported cases of GBS associated with Zika virus infection, but without evidence of an overall increase in the incidence of GBS.

Evidence that neurological disorders, including microcephaly and GBS, are linked to Zika virus infection remains circumstantial, but a growing body of clinical and epidemiological data points towards a causal role for Zika virus.

The global prevention and control strategy launched by WHO as a Strategic Response Framework (SRF)1 encompasses surveillance, response activities, and research. Following consultation with partners and taking changes in caseload into account, the SRF will be updated at the end of March 2016 to reflect epidemiological evidence coming to light and the evolving division of roles and responsibilities for tackling this emergency.

Report by the World Health Organisation