Islands Business - Zika virus found in Yap

POHNPEI, MARSHALL ISLANDS ---- An outbreak of illness on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) caused by the Zika virus has been confirmed, Marianas Variety reports

A joint investigation is being carried out by the public health authorities of Yap State and the Federated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization to better understand the nature and epidemiology of this outbreak.

On 22 June , the CDC laboratory identified the Zika virus as the cause of the illness: 10 specimens were positive by PCR (95 percent homology with the Zika virus); and 12 of 14 serum samples had IgM antibodies to the Zika virus.

Zika is a flavivirus that is similar to the dengue virus, causing similar but milder symptoms. Like dengue, it is transmitted by mosquitoes and is not spread person-to-person

The outbreak seems to have started in April this year and to have peaked in late May. The symptoms are mild and generally last for 2-4 days, consisting of a maculopapular rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, conjunctivitis, and joint pain, mostly affecting the smaller joints of the hands and feet.

Last Friday, 73 patients had presented to the outpatient department in the Yap public hospital with at least two of these symptoms. Some patients also have low grade fever.

No patients had to be admitted to the hospital and there have been no deaths because the disease was mild, many more infections are thought to have occurred in the community that did not seek medical attention. An initial assessment in the community indicates that a significant proportion of the population has been affected. Geographically, cases have occurred all over the island.

The investigation is continuing to better characterize the clinical presentation of the illness, the magnitude of the outbreak, and the mode of transmission in order to determine the best control measures. We continue to see new cases, and the neighbouring islands are under active surveillance.

Control measures similar to those for dengue are already being taken. Quarantine measures are not necessary since this is a milder form of dengue.

This outbreak has already been reported by the Federated States of Micronesia’s National Focal Point to WHO as a possible public health event of international concern under the new International Health Regulations.