I Wellington

Emergence of Zika Virus Epidemic and the National Response in Jamaica

Issue:

Vol 5 Issue 1 (2018)

DOI:

10.7727/wimjopen.2016.488

Pages:

5-11

Synopsis:

The Zika virus epidemic in Jamaica is evolving and includes cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and reports in pregnant women. Zika may become endemic in Jamaica, similar to dengue and Chikungunya. Safe and effective Dengue, Chikungunya fever and ZIKV vaccines are needed to mitigate the devastating effects of these three diseases.

Background: Jamaica, along with the Americas, experienced major epidemics of arboviral diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito in recent years. These include: Dengue fever in 2012, Chikungunya fever in 2014 and Zika virus infection (ZIKV) in 2016. We present the emergence of the ZIKV epidemic in Jamaica and outline the national response.

Received:

August 19, 2016

Accepted:

September 28, 2016

Published:

May 2, 2018

PDF Attachment: